Anyone here collect old Phonograph players, or "talking machines"?

[inpainokla]

what did u pay for it admin if you dont mind me asking..its a very beautiful peice

[admin]

Thanks InPain. I paid $350 for it. I feel very comfortable that it was a good value.

[jayne]

the only difference between men and boys............................is the price of their toys..............

[inpainokla]

admin Wrote:Thanks InPain. I paid $350 for it. I feel very comfortable that it was a good value.

oh id imagine that thing is worth much more than u paid for it..what a great buy congrats

[Bad Boy Bad Boy]

ADMIN, just where have you found where there showing different Models or Makes of this Shell-O-Phone Machine?

Or is that web link you put up?

[Wink]

Very, very nice find, admin! You may have seen this video: http://www.metacafe.com/fplayer/yt-eaoSu...h_1919.swf In case you haven't, I'm posting it. Ummm, what I know about your machine is nothing at all, but do you really want to remove the grill cover just yet? Have you had a chance to do a Patent Search showing Specs. and Illustrations?

[Bad Boy Bad Boy]

Wink, even though it's none of my business, the grill shows the Shell. With it covered, ones doesn't no if the Conch shell is back there. I don't know if he was able to see the shell or not, for I didn't see him say that. The grill is the viewing point also to view the shell, as you should see it through it.

I seen one sold, it had a dark cover behind the grill, so don't know if the shell was there neither. That one sold for about $400.00.

if it were maybe 5 years back, they might of got a lot more for these. But, lately all antiques sales are becoming lower.

But, he still got himself a nice find, and I do think the money was right also.

[admin]

Wink Wrote:Very, very nice find, admin! You may have seen this video: http://www.metacafe.com/fplayer/yt-eaoSu...h_1919.swf In case you haven't, I'm posting it. Ummm, what I know about your machine is nothing at all, but do you really want to remove the grill cover just yet? Have you had a chance to do a Patent Search showing Specs. and Illustrations?

Thanks Wink. I've seen that video, and communicated with the man who made it. He lives in Indiana. The other one known to collectors is in Oregon. Not sure what we will do regarding the grill cover. It is not original, yet I honestly think the item is a bit more attractive with it in place. I have no interest in selling it, so for the moment we will most likely keep it in place. Like all men, I will carefully analyze the situation, assess my options, and do what my wife decides.

I did try a patent search, but patents before 1975 are searchable only by Issue Date, Patent Number, and Current US Classification. Since we only have the application date I cannot find info online. I have a good friend who is a patent attorney, and intend to ask him to see what he can find. Hopefully he can do that.

[jayne]

well being a wife I can tell you it is pretty just as it is......so if you have no interest in selling it leave it be.......

[inpainokla]

i know you said your not selling it admin..but for some reason its killing me to know what its worth..do you plan on getting it appraised admin??