Doug - You make a great point! Just think, we collectors are enjoying items that have long outlived their shelf life. It amazes me that when I attend phonograph shows, people just staring out collecting phonographs, or even the most avid collectors, want machines that are pristine, have all the original parts, and obtain all of the manuals and directions that first came with them. My question to them is, "Would you like the original crate that the machine came with also. If you do, I have several in the back?"
I am one for originality, but let's all understand one thing. The pristine Victor VIs, with all of the original parts, that came out of the old lady's attic are long, long gone. Anyone looking for such an item, a phonograph in particular, is in for a rude awakening if they think that every phonograph that they have in their collection is 100% original. One or two may be, but for the masses, the cranks, horns, the governor weights, turn table felt, reproducer gaskets, etc., are most likely replacements of some sort. I agree, some of the replacements may be original parts such as the horn or the cranks, but keep in mind, most ARE NOT original to THAT machine. The only person that can honestly say that a machine is 100% original is the one that bought it. Sadly, these people have more than likely passed away by now. Just think, each machine that we buy has changed hands many, many times. I'm sorry, but I don't fall for that machine on ebay that is being sold by the great, great grand daughter to the grandfather that purchased the phonograph in down town New York on St. Patrick's Day in 1909. In most cases, it just don't happen that way. I am approached by sellers wanting to sell me machines that were sold to them by collectors that I knew and passed up buying that same machine from them months ago. The new seller wants $1000.00 more for it than when I could have bought it from the first seller. With the exception of the machines located in well protected and guarded collections, most machines are bought and sold and bounced from one person to the next. I see it often. In fact, I was at a show a couple of years ago and there was a gentleman there with a Victor VI. In looking at the machine, I realized that it was the same one that I watched on ebay just two weeks before. The only difference is that the buyer bought it on ebay for $3500.00 (No horn). His sale price at the show was $5500.00 (With worn out horn). It did not surprise me to see this gentleman take this machine home with him because several people at the show saw the item on ebay and declined as well. I spoke with a reputable phonograph repairman the other day by phone. He said that he would never have a reproduction crank, reproduction horn, or any other reproduction part for a machine in his collection. Keep in mind that this repairman also sells and pushes reproduction parts! My response to him was that some of the reproduction cranks (slotted especially because originals are difficult to find), horns (wood ones especially), and other reproduction parts look fantastic on a phonograph. I have seen some phonographs with original horns that were so bad with rust and holes that one could read a newspaper through it. Let's face it, a 1956 T-Bird for sale at a Barrett-Jackson's auction most likely does not have the original tires, original battery, or original head lights. Some things do just wear out, don't you know. On the positive note, all of these machines still provide us collectors with much fun, and the opportunity to sport or show off a piece to anyone that may be interested. Not all of public USA is even interested in phonographs. It never ceases to amaze me that when we have friends over, many never even acknowledge my Victor V with the oak spear tip horn. I often say to my wife that the reason why is that they just saw one at Wal-Mart! One thing is for sure, phonographs are not only great collectibles, but great pieces of history. Besides the fun in collecting, I have enjoyed the many friends that I have met along the way. I can imagine having the opportunity to speak with Mr. Eldridge himself and ask him what he thinks of his products still being enjoyed and collected after all of these 100 and some years. His response would most like be...."Your are kidding, right." Thanks much and may God bless! Brantley South Carolina </HTML>
