The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

William Thompson, Berwyn Heights, Maryland, on Facebook selling an estate full of phonographs, now taking bids on the Tin Can Berliner.
Kind of a sketchy way to try to sell such a rare machine. Stanton's or Donley's would give him much more exposure.
These are the pictures he sent me:

Do you have a link to the listing, Bob? I can't locate it.

-- Grant

Do you have a link to the listing, Bob? I can't locate it

I found the link!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/phonogr ... 649908636/

Ah yes. A private "auction."

Even if I had the money, I'd pass. No time for games.

Good luck to all!

Hi

Is it "typical" for this early ratchet-wound machine 1896-1897, to have the aluminum ID plate stamped with the wording of: "Berliner Gramophone Co." [Philadelphia].

Should we expect "National Gramophone Co."?

Allen

Where did I see that the bidding was up to $45,000? It had to be this thread. Was it just one post that was deleted? I see nothing wrong in selling a rare piece this way. Not a good way to sell an entire collection. I am not interested in spending that kind of money but for the seller it saves the auction fees. For the buyers it gives them time to think about what they will pay. Some people might not chase the seller but they are not likely the kind that will spend $45K on a phonograph. There must be at least two people interested.

Garret wrote: Sun May 22, 2022 10:10 am Ah yes. A private "auction."

Even if I had the money, I'd pass. No time for games.

If you were very serious about owning such a machine, I think you would find the time to play whatever game it took! I sure would. The effort it takes to get a once in a lifetime rare piece, whatever it takes to do, is far less than the lifetime of enjoyment of ownership you would have. This is silly talk!

.... a "private" auction? I saw a reference above to $45,000? For what it is worth, if I were in the position to make an offer of that caliber, I would prefer a structured and protected environment like a reputable auction house, where an item would have a documented bid history with amounts, dates, etc.

With that said, I can't offer an opinion on this seller as I don't know him/her, they may be just a respectable. But, a "private" auction sounds like there may room for error(s)....

Skihawx wrote: Mon May 23, 2022 6:33 am Where did I see that the bidding was up to $45,000? It had to be this thread. Was it just one post that was deleted?

Yes, it was in this thread.
Apparently the person who posted had been in touch with the seller and was informed the price was up to $45K.
I have to wonder how much truth was in that statement now it's gone.
I suppose if that person was actually the highest offer at say $15K, lying about the highest offer might scare off a lot of the competition?

Some people will say or do anything if they think it will give them an advantage