The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi Everyone,

I joined this forum with the hopes of selling an Edison Amberola 30 phonograph along with 28 Blue Amberola Records. I inherited this from my grandparents. It spent it's existence in Western Canada, in a semi-arid climate. (grassland plains). The phonograph does not represent any nostalgic value to me, and I just don't value holding on to it. I would prefer it is in the hands of someone who values it.

I am open to offers.

Even if you are not interested, I am also open to valuation feedback to help me get a good sale price for this.

• Serial Number: 10940

• Fully functional. Please watch the attached video to hear it playing.

• Some minor blemishes on the oak woodwork. I tried to capture them in the photos. The worst is on the handle-side of the housing where a small piece of the wood is chipped out right on the edge. It is smaller than a pencil eraser in size. I'm not a woodworker, but I'd think this could be repaired quite easily. The rest are just blemishes in the finish, including two water spots on the lid.

• The paint on the speaker grill does have some scratches on it that have exposed the aluminum underneath. The fabric looks unblemished and like new. The fabric is a strange color, but as best I can tell, it is original.

• As best as I can tell, the phonograph is complete and not missing any components.

• The sale includes 28 Blue Amberol records. I have only played the one for the video. This one record did have a scratch that caused the record to skip. I did not capture this skip in the video. I do not know the playing condition of the other records.

• I am located in Phoenix, AZ. I can ship anywhere in the USA. I prefer UPS, but will consider other couriers. The buyer pays the cost of shipping.

• I am willing to take and provide additional photos upon request

While I tend to focus on "off brand" phonographs, I have a soft spot for some of these Edison machines... I actually own two Amberola 30s and one Amberola 75. I am no expert by any stretch of the imagination but have been deeply involved in the antiques business since the late 1990s.

If I may, I will offer my objective opinion on potential "sale" options...

As "cool" as an Amberola 30 is, it is not rare. In my experience, serious collectors will tend to gravitate towards phonographs they don't already have in their collection, which usually means they will spend their time and money on the rare pieces. There is no negativity implied, I love your Amberola and would buy it in an instant. But, you would probably get a higher price at a high end consignment shop or antiques shop in your local area where the your Amberola would be the star attraction, mostly seen my customers who had never seen a phonograph, let along a cylinder phonograph - apart from on TV or in movies.

Be careful, though. Many consignment shops will take a large percentage of the final sale price - do your homework before committing.

I would be happy to discuss further if you want to PM me. I'll let others chime in if they wish.