The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Is it me, or does it seem like prices are falling and there is LOTS of nice stuff for sale? Compared to 20 years ago, sales almost feel a bit like flipping through a catalog and figuring out what you want to buy - at discount.

Garret

I am not a truly experienced collector but just think about it. There are many collectors that have been at it for years. They pass away and then what happens: the spouse is left with a collection of perhaps nice items: rare or semi-rare or semi-common or just plain common. You can't eat the stuff and if you have a lot to liquidate at once you might not possibly get the prices that you might get individually if done piece by piece. It can be cars, guns, phonographs, baseball cards, you name it. If at all possible, it's something that should be considered beforehand. I really don't know for sure. Down-sizing a collection as time goes on doesn't have to be a sad thing.

You’re absolutely correct. If you want a particular thing bad enough, you’ll find it. Especially with the internet, social media and quick communication routes these days.
Last thing I’d want is my spouse bogged down with trying to figure out what to do with all my stuff.
She’d prefer sitting sitting on the beach with a book much better I’m sure…finally free of “trinket manboy”…

I & some of my friends are in our middle to early twenties and we're waiting for the large collections built during the 1960s-2000s to come up on the estate market--prices that were high back then are often lower now. Then it'll be a lot easier for us to afford some more of the good stuff and provide a home to a lot of the fine pieces that were preserved in the past.
Sure is amazing that there are so many legitimately wonderful pieces still around though!

But then you see this, a common Edison Gem Model B W/O horn selling for $1281.00
https://www.ebay.com/itm/175597535345?m ... media=COPY

As someone who has been collecting since the 1960's, I have taken steps to avoid my collection becoming a worry to my wife and/or the next generation who will inherit it.

Every machine is listed, including what I paid for it and what, if anything, I have spent on it.
Every record (disc and cylinder) is listed by genre and filed in artist order.

My son and daughter in law are classically trained professional musicians with a genuine interest in my collection. They will not be able to keep everything, but they have their favourites and I have told them the best ways of selling the rest.

At 75 I am still collecting, but with the next generation in mind, so I now concentrate on machines which are in demand.

I have documented all of my machines. The document includes pictures of each machine along with a description. Everything is paid for and has been enjoyed, so I don’t feel that they are an investment that needs to be recouped. I just hope that they bring joy to future owners.

I recently was forced tp move (long story) and I had to put 99% of my possessions in storage including all of my machines and records. I have already told my family that if anything were to happen to me, they should just call (charity) and let them come and take everything. The amount of time they would need t sort out what's there would exceed any real monetary value they might get.

I have been noticing this, too. Prices are down! It's a good thing many of us aren't in this for the money, as they say...

But, it could change in an instant. I have been dabbling in "antiques" since I was a teenager in the late 1990's. If a "hit" TV show or movie features an old phonograph or victrola prominently somewhere, everyone will be collecting these things the next day. People are collecting green depression again, pyrex, aluminum Christmas trees, mid century furniture, etc. In the early 2000's, I could buy this stuff for pennies on the dollar at local auctions.... and I did....

All part of the fun!

I am no longer in the antiques business and have transitioned my interests over to the "historical" side of the hobby. I love to "save" these things. I bought another Amberola 70 a month or so ago with over 30 cylinders - less than $100. Seriously..... good time to buy! Too bad I am not into the "reselling" aspect anymore. Too sentimental!!!

epigramophone wrote: Fri Mar 10, 2023 11:19 am As someone who has been collecting since the 1960's, I have taken steps to avoid my collection becoming a worry to my wife and/or the next generation who will inherit it.

Every machine is listed, including what I paid for it and what, if anything, I have spent on it.
Every record (disc and cylinder) is listed by genre and filed in artist order.

My son and daughter in law are classically trained professional musicians with a genuine interest in my collection. They will not be able to keep everything, but they have their favourites and I have told them the best ways of selling the rest.

At 75 I am still collecting, but with the next generation in mind, so I now concentrate on machines which are in demand.

It is heartening to know your son and daughter in law appreciate these things. Hopefully they will encourage their children to appreciate as well.

It is an important legacy.

Steven