The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hey everyone... This post is not meant to be sarcastic or negative, just info I wanted to throw out there as an FYI. I just sent a pretty Oak Columbia Grafonola Table Top Machine ("Favorite") to an auction house. It worked, played well - sold for $45.00. Large crowd of "antiques" buyers, too.

I bought a nice, clean Victrola X recently in my area for less than $50, an early Victrola XI for $30, and a table top Victrola VV-IV for $27.50.

If anyone has any friends, neighbors, or knows any young people wanting to get in the hobby, now would be a great time! It's a good thing that may of us aren't in this for the money, right. As for me, I love the history. But, there are some deals to be had in my part of the country right now (VA/NC).

Also, I know that many of us are completely out of room!!! But, honestly, it is a great time to buy if you know anyone interested!

I've been donating such machines to my church for our yearly Rummage Sale. They get far better prices for them than I ever could.

You got a tabletop XI for $30? That’s probably the steal of the year!

AmberolaAndy wrote: Fri Feb 24, 2023 6:55 pm You got a tabletop XI for $30? That’s probably the steal of the year!

I was rambling a little in my initial post and probably not too clear.... my apologies. The Victrola XI I purchased was an earlier floor model. Once you get them side by side, there are slight variations. This particular machine has a slightly taller lid and early motor/speed control. It looks noticeably different than the XI that I have displayed right next to it.... I'll see if I can upload some photos later.... Thanks!

That's the way of the world now. I like to work on machines but don't have room for them. I've got a beautiful pre-badged oak Brunswick that has new springs and a rebuilt Ultona reproducer, had it listed for $200, dropped to $190 (that's the absolute break-even point if I include the cost of shipping) and it'll probably never go anywhere. But that mid-century stuff sure is making a comeback. Perhaps missed the train to de-clutter around here...

Agreed, if you have something from the 1950's or 1960's, you are in good shape. Solid wood bookshelf units and primitives have also gotten hot again!

I will upload a photo of my two VV-XIs I referenced above.... I believe the one of the left is earlier. Isn't it interesting? I almost didn't buy the thing because I didn't want a duplicate...

Hi Chris- Very nice machines-- The earlier XI (on the left) is sometimes called the "Thumb print" XI because of the flattened trim at the top of the front columns. And also has the early recessed motor that is attached to a metal motor "board". I've always like the earlier machines for looks.

Brad Abell

Very fine machines. The earlier XI is very nice looking with the carved "thumbprint" markings.

I've not been buying anything lately except for maybe now & then some records. No room, no money budgeted for that, no interest in building a bigger collection.

I believe that the deals that you describe are more of a combination of luck and perhaps geography rather than the state of the market.

However, as far as the state of the market for common machines, I think that this, in general, has certainly softened. This is true of just about all "common" antiques. The advent of the internet has made EVERYTHING easier to find, so the common stuff can be had without much effort. I have been an antique dealer in some form since I was was 13 or so, and have certainly seen the changes. A common Victorian kitchen clock used to go for $200 or so. Now I am lucky if I can get half that. But the market for rarities has only gotten hotter, perhaps for the same reason. I can be bidding on a rare item all the way across the country from my computer, whereas before the internet, I may not even have known about it.

Hey Chris, Does the earlier XI have record shelves or slats and is the motor the same that was used on some outside horn machines? Thanks,