The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Just got an email from one Brian Kidd in Italy, offering a motor board latch shaft for my Talkophone (no photos) for 190 euros....

Think that's a bit much for such a part?

(Naturally, I passed on the offer).

-Bill

I think it's because the guy doesn't have the part & doesn't have a clue on value.
I could be wrong, but I'm sure I read on the radio forum about a Mr Kidd in Italy replying to wanted ads & wanting payment through Western Union etc.
I guess you could "play the game" if you wanted & reply asking for pictures etc, and feel out his payment options, but personally I'd just ignore him.
It seems that various scam artists have been hitting radio forums for some time now, offering obscure parts at high prices, so I hope this isn't a sign they're broadening their horizons so to speak, by moving into the phono forums too.

Well, he gave some excuse about his computer for not providing pictures.......... so I thought better of the offer, and passed it up. It just seemed a little suspicious.......

-Bill

That doesn't surprise me unfortunately.
It's a shame these scammers dont get a real job instead of attempting to rip people off all the time.

Shane, I will offer you a good price on a nice HMV sign......are you interested..... . Sorry, I just couldn't help myself........I'm a bad boy!!!!!.

LOL, only if it's an authentic original reproduction

gramophoneshane wrote:LOL, only if it's an authentic original reproduction

I received an odd email from Brian Kidd a few days ago and I assumed it was some kind of scam. Jerry B.

gramophoneshane wrote:LOL, only if it's an authentic original reproduction

You mean a nice Crap-O-Sign from the 50's?

Probably a well-weathered 2010 replica, the aging created by dogs p&&ing over it!
There are tricks to artificially age objects that fool almost everyone including certified experts. Just think about the sheer number of more naughty drawings by Picasso. At least half (and probably more) of them are fakes.
There's nothing wrong with recreating a part and age it artificially to not stand out like a sore tooth with the rest of your machine. But at least be honest about it. I've just retrieved my 1931 iPod, a very rare early Electrola 102 portable in near mint condition. It needs two parts to get it pack to absolutely perfect: the leather carrying handle has dryed out (after it's 80 years old) and the arm rest has broken. Both parts are still available newly re-manufactured. When I replace them I will probably use a bit of steel wool or emory paper to let them blend in with the rest. I will retain the old parts, so if I ever sell it, the new owner can get it back to the way it left the factory back then.
It's a bit like restoring old cars. You simply have to replace parts to be able to use it. Does that reduce it value? A little maybe, but at least it's is not a static object anymore.