The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Pity the seller who consigned this machine to an auctioneer who estimates it's value at £30/£50.
Even a superficial attempt at research would have told them that EMG's are worth serious money.

https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/auct ... dc1d660e40

An attractive Mark IV. Who would have thought that was possible?

Unfortunate. Poor photos, no indication if the gramophone works or if there is any damage other than the missing door knob, and very limited pickup options.

Steve wrote: Tue Mar 28, 2023 5:13 am An attractive Mark IV. Who would have thought that was possible?

Yes! Looks like a very early example. A friend says he has one very similar. Alarming to see the winding handle shoved in the horn where it may scratch the surface, but as the auctioneers are so pitifully clueless as to its value, I suppose they don't care...

Garret wrote: Tue Mar 28, 2023 5:29 am Unfortunate. Poor photos, no indication if the gramophone works or if there is any damage other than the missing door knob, and very limited pickup options.

Sadly this lazy attitude is becoming increasingly prevalent.
There is plenty of information about EMG readily available on line, but all the auctioneer has done is take a few photos and make an ill informed guess as to value. For this they charge a hefty fee to buyer and seller.

epigramophone wrote: Tue Mar 28, 2023 6:34 am

Garret wrote: Tue Mar 28, 2023 5:29 am Unfortunate. Poor photos, no indication if the gramophone works or if there is any damage other than the missing door knob, and very limited pickup options.

Sadly this lazy attitude is becoming increasingly prevalent.
There is plenty of information about EMG readily available on line, but all the auctioneer has done is take a few photos and make an ill informed guess as to value. For this they charge a hefty fee to buyer and seller.

Which means they'll probably be minted for their pathetic efforts when this sells for £1500-1800?!

Steve wrote: Tue Mar 28, 2023 6:56 am
Which means they'll probably be minted for their pathetic efforts when this sells for £1500-1800?!

Probably in large part thanks to this thread.

Garret wrote: Tue Mar 28, 2023 7:21 am

Steve wrote: Tue Mar 28, 2023 6:56 am
Which means they'll probably be minted for their pathetic efforts when this sells for £1500-1800?!

Probably in large part thanks to this thread.

Indeed, which means we should write a letter collectively to the auctioneers requesting at least 80% of their commission to be split evenly between contributors to this thread!

820 GBP plus fees for this Mark IV at Amersham Auction Rooms on March 30, 2023.

Yes, the cabinet wasn't in a good state and had pulled apart at the front left hand corner, the soundbox diaphragm was very crumpled and the lid was quite marked. But, it's a lot cheaper and more interesting than the last Mk IV. Does anyone think the auctioneers were surprised by how much they got their estimate wrong? Still, hopefully the vendor is now planning a holiday with the money instead of a cheap night out for one!