The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Did anyone attend the Cottone Auction that was held last Friday? I was curious as to who attended, what people thought of the prices and whether the machines were 100% original or if the phonographs/music boxes had issues.

I watched it live, and did a few phone bids. Top, top dollar for things, in my opinion, after you factor in a 20-30% add on if you had to pay the NY tax plus premium. Some rare birds, but really high end. I think a number of these machines have appeared in books and so that drove up the price.

I watched the auction live as well and was impressed with the quality of the machines and of the health of some of the bank accounts.
There were some deals, especially if you were interested in European machines, like the pucks.
I consider myself lucky to have picked up a zone-o-phone which needs a little TLC, so both my hobbies of repairing and collecting phonographs were satisfied.
Bruce

Although this auction occurred only 6 miles from my home, I didn't attend because we drove to Brooklyn on Friday to visit our daughter. (Oh - there happened to be a phonograph show in Wayne, NJ that I attended too! ) I didn't think I could afford the few items in the auction that interested me, and from I've heard I was correct.

Reportedly, the European machines generally went very reasonably, while the rare U.S. items went high. No surprise there. I'd still have attended if I hadn't had a better offer. Maybe Cottone will have another phonograph auction some day...!

George P.

Hmmmmm. The European machines went low? US machines went high? Low or high is based on an individual feeling, I suggest those interested look at the prices realized which will be published on the web site shortly. Bettini stuff went about normal, Lioret case in ball park, music boxes overall low, clock offerings I know nothing about. The paper roll stuff was very nice and prices reasonable. Most of the US stuff was reasonable and some seemed low. Agreed you really need to be there to inspect but I found all of the Cottone folks very straight ahead and helpful providing pre auction information, additional photos etc. Looking back I should have bought more. I sold things to Dr. Pope when he first started and he always paid attention to detail. Several of his machines are pictured in your books so you know the quality. My packing demands were met with courtesy and reasonable cost. We shall see. I was on a live tele line for most of the auction plus Internet. Hawes

Larry Hawes wrote:Hmmmmm. The European machines went low? US machines went high? Low or high is based on an individual feeling, I suggest those interested look at the prices realized which will be published on the web site shortly. Bettini stuff went about normal, Lioret case in ball park, music boxes overall low, clock offerings I know nothing about. The paper roll stuff was very nice and prices reasonable. Most of the US stuff was reasonable and some seemed low. Agreed you really need to be there to inspect but I found all of the Cottone folks very straight ahead and helpful providing pre auction information, additional photos etc. Looking back I should have bought more. I sold things to Dr. Pope when he first started and he always paid attention to detail. Several of his machines are pictured in your books so you know the quality. My packing demands were met with courtesy and reasonable cost. We shall see. I was on a live tele line for most of the auction plus Internet. Hawes

I didn't say European machines went low, and I specified that it was the rare U.S. items that went high. The going rate on rare items may be "reasonable," but I still consider them to be high-priced; e.g.: a lot of money. Then again, perhaps I was misinformed on the prices realized.

I've known Sam Cottone for 20 years, have attended a number of his auctions, and have found him to be honest, forthright, and helpful. Several of Richard Pope's machines indeed appeared in our books, and the quality of his collection was outstanding. Excellent talking machines and a good auctioneer make a nice combination.

I wish I could have attended the auction. Nothing but the opportunity to spend time with my family could have kept me away. I hope that I'll have another opportunity to attend one of Sam's auctions in the future.

George P.

Hi

I would have gone nuts at an auction like that, I would have needed a container to get it all home Some of the prices were high but compared to what we pay here in Australia, there were a lot of bargains. I just showed the auction results to my girl, she was very disappointed we didn't go, she chose 5 machines that she would have bought.

Regards Marcel

I'd keep her, Marcel!

George P.

Like I said, go to the web site and see for yourself. Value is a very individual thing. Not ascribing words to anyone, just look and see. Me thinks most folks will say, gosh I wish I would have bid. LH

Keep in mind there is a 20% premium, then if you have to pay tax that ends up being almost a 30% premium. Those number get pretty high when you are bidding in the 1000's. A bid of $2000 is actually nearing $2600, then if you had to have it transported....