The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I found this jewel being stored in an Auction House in Beatrice, Neb. The story is that it belonged to a widow who was being moved to a Rest Home and the Edison was stored in the attic. The family then sold it at an Estate Sale. The buyer at that sale didn't know anything about it so he listed it at the Auction to make a quick sale. The auction price didn't reach the reserve, so it didn't sell, and there it sat for the last six months.

Looks very nice. Appears to have original finish and well taken care of. Nice find.

I'm familiar with this machine as I had the opportunity to buy it myself recently. The grill has been repaired, just FYI.

Very nice. I am hoping one of those pop up in my area some day.

Looks like a wonderful machine. The Amberola 1-A is the perfect combination of practicality, versatility, and elegance. You are a lucky fellow. Jerry Blais

I don't understand what one is to "lookie" at here. do two people own this machine? or is this something that you just happened across but didn't buy, or did you find, buy and resell it (to john m)? sorry, but I'm just confused by the story, given the conflicting posts.

This machine was discussed on Matt Brown's Edison board at least a year ago when it was purchased at the estate sale by a non-collector who asked for advice about restoration. He later posted that he was selling the machine to help pay bills for a sick grandson. It went to auction at the auction house in Beatrice. All the records were sold, but the machine did not meet reserve. Several months went by and I wrote him asking if the machine was ever sold and he replied no, and asked if I was interested. I told him I was, but it would be July before I knew how business would be for me and whether I could afford it at that time. He replied that he wasn't in a rush to sell it and he would be happy to wait. July didn't pan out enough for me to buy it, so I excused myself from the buy. I saw it a very short time later for sale on craigslist. Now it appears a board member has bought it. Heartiest congratulations!

John, Your description on the history of the machine is exactly what the seller told me. Even the part about contacting the Edison Board to gleen information. He was contemplating having the bedplate redone. The fact that he was willing to help with the delivery (he hauled about 700 miles, across the State of Neb) along with a little prod from my friend Jerry were the deciding factors to make the purchase. It was actually listed on the Web under Amberola 1A and on CL. He disclosed the fact that he grill had been repaired. He thought someone had stuck their finger through scroll work during one of the moves. He was going to use the money to do something nice for his grandson. That made me feel even better about making the purchase! I tried to get a complete history on the machine. About all he knew was that it came from Wilse, Kansas. I hauled it the 700 miles from Nebraska to Montana.

ahh... thanks for the clarification. funny how these machines move around. I actually remember seeing this machine on craigslist. it's a really nice find, and I think the grill looks fine. hopefully the orphan's finally found a more permanent home. and thanks again for the history.