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Amberola 1A on Ebay... Take a look!

Anyone know why this thing is going for so much money??

I know that it is beautiful, but what make this thing so expensive?

The fact that it is Oak?????..Instead of Mahoghany???

confused...

See for yourself.. and please comment..

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... K:MEWAX:IT

Ebay item# 230546921833 fo those who can't cut and paste..lol..

Thanks,

Tony K.

$2500 is not a lot for an Amberola I-A.

I doubt I'd get a good one here for under $4000.

What makes it so expensive is that it is a very desirable machine amongst Edison phono collectors. And this appears to be a decent example. I'd guess $4K is on the low end for this machine.

And yes, it doesn't hurt that it is oak instead of mahogany. Oak always seems to bring a bit more (and they look SO much better, IMHO).

Ahh one of my favorite machines

A decent example but I'd argue with mint. The gun metal on the bedplate and mandrel seems unusually heavily worn, almost gone. It's certainly had some use. Hard to tell from the pics but probably was refinished at some point. The finish under the lid and in some of the details looks much darker than the front, sides, top.

Not visible on the ebay posting but the pointer on the speed control is missing as is the gold wash knurled nut that secures the reproducer in place. I requested some extra pics.

Still a very rare machine and one I'd love to have if my bank account was a bit more healthy.

Does it look like there has been an attempt to lighten the finish on the outside of the cabinet? The finish under the lid is very dark. I can't tell by the photos but that's a question I would have. Even in today's economy, an Amberola 1-A will bring very good dollars. I would expect it to bring $3500+ and maybe more. Let's see...

The model M reproducer itself adds considerable value to the machine. I'd recommend contacting the owner by phone and have him do a walkaround while you ask questions regarding finish, wear, and particularly motor gear noise, which can be considerable in this design. I've done this in several cases when I'm serious about some big ticket item I want.
That said,an Amberola 1A in good condition is a massive beauty.
Bob

In addition to Bob's excellent suggestions, I'd ask the seller for the number stamped into the bedplate - - to be sure it matches that on the cabinet-mounted data plate. In years past, matching numbers were evidently of little concern to some collectors who mixed & matched mechanisms and cabinets.

George P.

Jerry B. wrote:Does it look like there has been an attempt to lighten the finish on the outside of the cabinet? The finish under the lid is very dark. I can't tell by the photos but that's a question I would have.

Most likely it was originally fumed oak. Looks like the exterior has been refinished.

I am not sure if anyone on the board is intending on putting in a bid on this. But if someone is, I would be happy to help out. I live about 10 minutes away from this one and have actually met the seller. He's a nice guy and has a huge collection of Nickelodeon pianos some of which are really elaborate and expensive instruments.

At any rate, I have his contact info and would be happy to go check the Amberola out if it would help. If that's the case, send me a PM. Just thought I would offer!

I agree that the inside appears to have been fumed oak or something darker than golden oak. What does everyone else think? Could it have been fumed oak? I didn't know the Amberola could be ordered in fumed oak. Either way, it really is a good looking phonograph.