My latest G & T arrival: Empire gramophone pedestal

[Steve]

This original pedestal arrived an hour ago after I spotted it on Ebay a week ago where it was described as a French Empire bust stand from 1870. I did inform the seller of its true original purpose but as it'd been sat there largely ignored for at least 2 years, he seemed genuinely happy to find some interest and lowered the asking price by £1250! Naturally, it was difficult to resist!

Here it is:

[jamiegramo]

Congratulations on a superb acquisition!

[Steve]

Thanks, Jamie. Now all I need is a Deluxe II or Empire III. Now, do you happen to know anyone with either of those machines? Now, think very hard before answering!

[CarlosV]

Very nice and rare! Good luck on your search for the corresponding machines - if one turned out in Germany, it is credible that others may show up - many collectors would turn away from them as they can easily pass as a fake.

[Steve]

Very nice and rare! Good luck on your search for the corresponding machines - if one turned out in Germany, it is credible that others may show up - many collectors would turn away from them as they can easily pass as a fake.

Thanks, Carlos. Yes, in a similar way to the Spanish HMV machines that many will not be familiar with, an Empire or "Deluxe" model might be mistaken for a more basic model that someone has decorated with ormolu mounts for whatever reason.

[Steve]

Whilst I'm waiting for an Empire model to turn up, my humble No. 7 will grace the pedestal!

[Garret]

Steve,

Sincere congratulations on the new addition. That's easily one of the best phono finds so far of 2025!

Best,

Garret

[Steve]

Steve,

Sincere congratulations on the new addition. That's easily one of the best phono finds so far of 2025!

Best,

Garret

Thanks, Garret. It's probably one of my top five phono finds of all time.