The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello, We have recently inherited a well used antique player that we can't identify. The logo clearly shows "The Riley" but the remaining text is worn off. Extensive online research hasn't turned up anything about the machine. There are no other identifying marks on it. I've attached two images and would appreciate any advice about where to look next. Thanks! Carol

I have read that hundreds of little phonograph companies sprang up here in the US during the 'teens after the basic phonograph patents of Victor and Columbia expired. Information is scant on many of those obscure companies. Yours appears to me to be late 'teens or early twenties -- the reproducer looks like it might rotate to play Pathé records, and the pot metal tonearm is another clue -- both typical for that period. There is not generally as much collector demand for those machines, compared to Victor and Columbia phonographs. It may be controversial here to guess a realistic value for one, but I'm thinking about $100 to $200.

The tone arm, reproducer and motor accessories appear to all be early (1917-1921) products of the Heinemann company, suppliers of mechanical parts to many of the independent talking machine fmanufactures which sprung up after 1916' so your machine probably has one of the smaller "Motors of Quality", which are indeed nice motors, though early examples tend to have broken springs, as the steel used was not of the best.

The pot metal tone arm and reproducer are fragile, and subject to disiintegration, but if they are complete, move freely, and are free from cracks they can be rebuilt. Properly rebuilt Heinemann reproducers perform very well indeed.

Your machine probably dates to the 1918-1921 period, and was rather inexpensive, with a probably list selling price of around $25.00, about the same price as the entry level Victor Victrola IV. In today's amrket I would not expect an unrestored example to sell for much more than $75.00-$100.00, and doubt that a restored example, in perfect cosmetic and working condition, would sell or much more than $200.00, even though these are interesting machines which can play very well, and in a group can make an attractive display.

Duplicate post.

Drat these IPads!

Thank you both very much for your replies. I had a feeling it wouldn't really be worth much more than sentimental value. I appreciate your replies.

cmorris530 wrote:Thank you both very much for your replies. I had a feeling it wouldn't really be worth much more than sentimental value. I appreciate your replies.

It is a small and attractive machine and if it was a family piece would well be worth restoring as a keepsake. The restoration should be pretty simple, and could be a good deal of fun. If your are interested in taking a crack at your machine you would find all of the help that you needed here on this board. As for parts, you would need a few dollars of rubber for the reproducer, to start, anything else that you would be easy to come by.

cmorris530 wrote:Thank you both very much for your replies. I had a feeling it wouldn't really be worth much more than sentimental value. I appreciate your replies.

It is a small and attractive machine and if it was a family piece would well be worth restoring as a keepsake. The restoration should be pretty simple, and could be a good deal of fun. If your are interested in taking a crack at your machine you would find all of the help that you needed here on this board. As for parts, you would need a few dollars of rubber for the reproducer, to start, anything else that you would be easy to come by.