Seems a might overpriced?

[adamsih300u]

http://cgi.ebay.com/antique-BRUNSWICK-w ... 3a62ee65ed

I may be wrong, but I wouldn't pay that much for it. In 'completed listings' there's one other Panatrope portable (listed for most likely for parts) that didn't sell for $30. I'm inclined to toss an offer more to my liking, but I doubt it'd be accepted.

I do want a Panatrope...or two...or three. Ideally I'll branch out, keep my Ultona model, and have a full size Panatrope and portable Panatrope. Someday.

And a Victor Credenza.

[estott]

Very much overpriced. The build quality is decent but it doesn't sound any better than most portables of the era. Their use of the "Panatrope" label is somewhat pathetic- at first this was applied to their electric machines but after a while everything in the line became a Panatrope.

[Edisone]

I'll disagree about the sound quality - this model is the best American portable, and the only one I ever use. The Victors have a crappy little tonearm & bad tracking error - they are not gentle on records. Columbia portos are also brutal on records. This model (109, I think) was the only decent portable Brunswick sold. Its bad points: it is HEAVY, the handle is always broken, and the reproducer's back is pot metal so needs to be handled gently. It also tends to warp & make a gap at the diaphragm's edge, but that's easy to fix.

I'm mildly interested by their claim that it has an Audak soundbox. I have exactly the same portable & soundbox, and it has no Audak marking - just Brunswick-Balke-Collender Co.

Nice "carrying strap"; looks like a hunk of dog leash! I just offered $50, which was instantly rejected. They think it's some kinda treasure, of course.

[adamsih300u]

Too bad. I sent a message pointing out they'll get some offers if they drop their price...but considering they have next to no feedback they may not even be legit.

I'm anxious to have something with a slightly lighter reproducer than the Ultona that I can use on my pile of non-acoustically-recorded records with less worry about destroying them. And I tend to be brand-loyal, for some reason...Hence my ownership of (currently) two Atwater Kent radios from 1929...

[brianu]

And I tend to be brand-loyal, for some reason...Hence my ownership of (currently) two Atwater Kent radios from 1929...

brand loyal is nice, surely they appreciate your business.

[adamsih300u]

MAYBE they would if they'd stayed open past 1936 (Atwater Kent, anyways). At least the parts are semi-interchangeable and the designs similar (and flaws)...I just get stuck on one brand or another.

[brianu]

understandable... and of course was only joking by the way. I'm partial to Pathé myself, and despite the fact that the company still does business in one form or another, who knows what they'd think - if anything - of my patronage concerning their 80 to 100 year old record players.

[Phonofreak]

This seller is dreaming. I don't think he/she will get that price.
Harvey Kravitz

[syncopeter]

Here in Europe prices of portables have dropped by as much as 40% in the past few years.
I bought a quite rare German Electrola in near mint condition for 320 euros some time ago and then its value was realistic. I seriously doubt that I will get more than 160 euros for it today. Apart from the models that the Asians want (HMV Re-entrants, EMG, super quality horn gramophones) the market appears to be almost dead. Existing collectors have everything they want and are often sizing down, there are hardly any new buyers interested in 'that old stuff'. It's like a bit like 'brown' furniture. Hugely popular 20 years ago, today everybody wants 60s and 70s designer stuff.

Peter

[WDC]

I wouldn't be surprised if one was actually paying the ridiculous price, the squeaky wheel gets the grease.