The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I bought a Victor O a few months ago and got this one worked into the deal, but dont really have the time to mess with it.

The horn has been repainted (really beautiful in person). The motor spins with the resistance of the crank then unwinds quickly as soon as you let go of the crank. Not exactly sure what the deal is there.

The case is in really nice condition and the busy bee logo is nice and bright.
I'm not sure what it's worth but I will start off asking $375

I'll box it up in two big boxes then get a quote from USPS to charge exact shipping.

I can also take more pics if necessary (my pics do not do the nice horn justice though)

A colorful machine with great historical details -- Sounds like a look at the winding ratchet would be enough to get the motor to quit giving trouble. Sometimes that mechanism there gives out--and it may not even be broken; it may just be dirty and stuck open. I've had a few different types of phonograph that did this when the ratchet stuck--It should be a simple fix for whoever buys the machine.

Excellent machine and good luck to its new buyer.

Charles

This is the most beautiful Busy Bee I have ever seen. Wonderful job on the horn!

Thanks for the compliments.

Any takers at $425 + exact shipping?

Down to the low price of $375. I think it should be worth more than that in parts alone.

I am sorry to bother you with such a trivial question.... but, that reproducer looks darn good - is that a newer reproduction? The originals on those Aretino/Harmony/Busy Bee front mount machines usually show a ton of age and don't look so great...

Thanks! - Chris

Chris, I'm almost 100% sure that it is not a reproduction and is original. After your post I went and studied it again.

-Travis

Granby wrote: Wed Oct 12, 2022 9:12 am I am sorry to bother you with such a trivial question.... but, that reproducer looks darn good - is that a newer reproduction? The originals on those Aretino/Harmony/Busy Bee front mount machines usually show a ton of age and don't look so great...

Thanks! - Chris

Cool deal - thanks for the reply. Pardon my assumption, LOL. The last few [correct] reproducers I have seen were kind of rough.... I almost forgot there may actually be nice examples out there....

Your price seems fair! I will continue to "think" on this if somebody else doesn't move in on it in the meantime. I hope it goes to a good home! You won't find an external horn machine for less than $500 - 600 at any antique shop in my part of the country....

- Chris