The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I was just looking up Fumed Oak Finish to compare with the preceeding post and came across this.

First time I have ever seen the Moorish Marquetry Finish. Quite incredible! Has anyone seen this machine in person?

It was posted by the Hoosier Antique Phonograph Society.

http://www.hoosierantiquephonographsoci ... 04_20.html

Never of course, who has? But I sure would like it...

Larry

What a spectacular machine!

I have owned gramophones since 1957 but have never seen anything like this before.

It would be interesting to know for whom this special commission was built.
Might the Hoosier Antique Phonograph Society have this information?

I think John M has seen it, and a couple others. Personally I think its the ugliest machine I've ever seen, but it would be a boring world if we all had the same taste in phonographs.

Wow. A high $ item indeed, and quite handsome. I have never seen one in person. There is a picture of one on page 135 of the 2005 edition of "Look for the Dog."

Clay

Pretty elaborate!

That wallpaper has to go, though...

I've seen it, and believe me the photographs do not do it justice.

As far as the wallpaper, well the house where the machine was displayed is a stunningly impressive mid-victorian home. The wallpaper is consistent with the house and its fine furninshings, being fine hand-blocked reproductions of real period papers. A don't quite recall, but believe that the paper in that room was part of Christopher Dresser designed set in tis original coloration. The photograph that you see does not give the entire effect, as the walls are very tall, and have a large matching frieze. The ceilings are also papered in matching patterns, with panels, borders and fills. The overall effect is quite rich, but it fails when taken in a small photograph.


It does appear that the taste of the Aesthetic period is not yours. The style of those days is not for everyone, I wouldn't attempt it in my own 1850's house, and I must say that it does not work at all well in more modern homes.

I believe that the owner of that machine has posted here, and I'm quite sure that he will appreciate you critique of his wife's extensive interior decoration.

Zwebie wrote:I was just looking up Fumed Oak Finish to compare with the preceeding post and came across this.

First time I have ever seen the Moorish Marquetry Finish. Quite incredible! Has anyone seen this machine in person?

It was posted by the Hoosier Antique Phonograph Society.

http://www.hoosierantiquephonographsoci ... 04_20.html

There is a lot to be appreciated about the workmanship that goes into this type of detail, even if it is not one's particular style...

That said, a machine that goes at auction for nearly $72,000.00 in 2002 is welcome in my home any day, whether it matches my 1887 Victorian farmhouse decor or not!

Uncle Vanya wrote:I've seen it, and believe me the photographs do not do it justice.

It does appear that the taste of the Aesthetic period is not yours. The style of those days is not for everyone, I wouldn't attempt it in my own 1850's house, and I must say that it does not work at all well in more modern homes.

I believe that the owner of that machine has posted here, and I'm quite sure that he will appreciate you critique of his wife's extensive interior decoration.

Here is a photograph I took of the room when I was there.

Very handsome period rooms.

I do note, though, that the strong pattern in the wallpaper might not be the very best background for showing off the eleborate Moorish decoration on the phonograph. The patterns kind of "fight" each other. Perhaps that is what may have brought out that earlier comment.

Of course having that home and that phonograph and trying to accommodate the two would be a problem I would love to have.

Clay