The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

After months of search, I won this Berliner, "American Medley", a cornet solo, number 214 (1897?) for $81. Finally!

I really like Berliner discs and related items. So expensive though.

I got a few Berliners from my friend Jerry Donnell,and I also found one in the wild in a Shelburne,VT antique store.edisonplayer.

Yes, April 10, 1897. Congratulations!

Only $81? How did you get something like a Berliner for so cheap?

I was collecting for 30 years, and very badly wanted just one example of a Berliner for at least half of that time, before I finally got one through a Naucktion. Actually, now I have 2.

I won an eBay auction from someone running several Berliners. Another run of Berliners was done earlier, too.

A few years ago I bought a Trademark machine at a Stanton auction. I had no Berliner record to place on it, however. Later in the auction, several Berliners were offered. The avid Berliner collectors kept the bidding high. However, knowing that I wanted just one example, and without my asking them to do so, they kindly held back, allowing me to buy one at a reasonable price. So, contrary to popular belief, there can be friends at auctions.

edisonplayer wrote: Fri Jun 20, 2025 8:17 am I also found one in the wild in a Shelburne,VT antique store

Every part of this sentence just blew my mind! I guess I need to stop in Shelburne more often but honestly, I just thought those shops were hoity-toity dishes and doilies and the like. I shall adjust my search parameters