A rip off?

[slammer]

Today was a lazy Sunday afternoon so I fired up the bike and headed to a nearby mid sized market with all sorts of kit and kaboodle. It also has a nice little antique section that I like to stroll around.
One stall had three gramophones and quite a few needle tins.
One gramophone was a standard table model and one a music house stand model of the kind that were made in their thousands. And one that drew my interest was a HMV horn model looking a bit tatty and worse for wear. the guy gave it a crank and the poor thing wheezed into life with as much enthusiasm as grandad at last orders in the pub.
It gave the vibe of an Indian 1970ties piece but I asked the price anyway.....


1000 Euros!

I had promised myself not to show surprise at anything but I unconsciously blurted "you godda be shitting me!" out loud. After which I was ejected from the stall.
Anyway here it is. The one thousand euro gramophone.

[jamiegramo]

Not exactly a rip-off, perhaps a bit high in the current market. A triple-spring Monarch senior in original condition but with the wrong soundbox. The horn may clean up better. The dealer hasn’t put much effort into it but some may prefer it like that.

[Sidewinder]

A few decades ago would have been OK. Looks like a 3 spring machine.

[zipcord]

do the HMV Monarch Special/D motors sound like rock polishers or did they have quieter motors across the pond?

[JerryVan]

That's a nice find. As Jamie mentions, a little bit high priced, but not sooo far off. Is it a "rip off"? I say no. Others may differ...

I prefer it when sellers leave things alone. They often "restore" things in the most uninformed and cheapest manner.

[Inigo]

I think it's a good candidate for smooth cleaning, motor greasing and adjusting, and soundbox replacement, and nothing more. It's a beauty as it is...

[slammer]

Well, maybe I was a little harsh in my judgement, having said that I found the price too high, not that I have that kind of moolah anyway, so its a moot point. One of my other interests is uranium glass and I have more dud buys than good ones, so I am wary by default.

[leels1]

do the HMV Monarch Special/D motors sound like rock polishers or did they have quieter motors across the pond?

If it's early, with the bevel gear then yes, probable it's noisy!

Did think this might be a little later though with the bullet brake. Is it definitely a 3 spring I wonder as I thought the winding handle would be front end of that same side if it were a bevel geared 3 spring.

[epigramophone]

As others have said, this is a sought after machine and well worth saving.
If you go back and make an offer, pray that the stall holder doesn't recognise you . Alternatively send someone else.

[slammer]

Why do I have the feeling that I should be standing in a corner with a dunce cap on my head?
Well, I did not leave the stand with anger, so that should not be a problem.
The problem is that my crazy money budget is already overdrawn for this year, but if anybody is interested I know how to get in touch with the seller. So I would be happy to pass your contact details on.