The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Ever seen one? Obviously the price is ridiculous, but it's a cool box, no?
https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/decor ... f_9769181/

G

Wow. That's a stunning piece and probably unique. I'm not sure it's worth the money but it might well be.

Steve wrote: Sun May 08, 2022 5:55 pm Wow. That's a stunning piece and probably unique. I'm not sure it's worth the money but it might well be.

There's no way there is enough silver in it to justify that price. But it is cool!

It's not about the value of silver really, is it? If we measured the pure value of everything by its weight and content of materials most commodities would plummet in value including the over-priced houses we live in!

Steve wrote: Mon May 09, 2022 4:12 am It's not about the value of silver really, is it?

No, not at all.
If it was, antique WMF silver plate would be worthless, and Paul Revere and Tiffany silver would be affordable.

Some background information about the recipient of the box :

http://www.recordingpioneers.com/RP_WORTMAN1.html

Very interesting! Thanks!

I didn't realize the dealer was M.S. Rau. They are known for being extremely expensive, but also having very fine objects.

The box apparently weighs 9.62 pounds.

I collect such things made of silver that are connected with the Gramophone Co. I saw this humidor at Sotheby's in 2008, so not exactly at a provincial auction house where expensive objects can slip through undetected by the international trade. The final price of 10,625 USD, which was just above the estimated price, was much too high for me: https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ec ... t.140.html

We're not talking about modern art, antique race cars or anything like that, where crazy price jumps can happen. The fact that the same cigar box should cost twice as much 14 years later shows how "realistic" the current pricing is.

PS: The key is still missing.

I was actually thinking $15K would be a more realistic price, considering its size and provenance, so I guess that's probably a more accurate estimate, give or take 1000.