[Phono-L] Collectibles - How's That For Originality?
It's not original in any sense, just dirty I posted about it on a different forum: _http://sonoraman.proboards107.com/index.cgi?board=generalaction=displaythre ad=9088_ (http://sonoraman.proboards107.com/index.cgi?board=generalaction=displaythread=9088) Best regards, Rene Rondeau In a message dated 8/16/2008 10:58:30 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time, plavzic at gmail.com writes: Clockworkhome wrote:Yes, originality is the desired goal and is getting more difficult to find as time goes by Anyone have any thoughts on this http://cgi.ebay.de/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemrd=1item=250282922468ssPageName =STRK:MEWA:ITih=015 Hint: the dust is a nice touch! ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org **Looking for a car that's sporty, fun and fits in your budget? Read reviews on AOL Autos. (http://autos.aol.com/cars-Volkswagen-Jetta-2009/expert-review?ncid=aolaut000307 )
[Phono-L] Edison Spring Motor - Reproducer
I have two early Automatics that are not stamped as 'reproducer.' They look just like standard speakers from the top, but obviously the weight is different. Best regards. Rene Rondeau In a message dated 7/19/2008 3:35:52 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, ClockworkHome at aol.com writes: Thanks Steve: What made me think the reproducer was a Standard Speaker without looking at the underside weight and styli bar was the NL and the low number. PLUS there is a hole where the alignment pin previously was installed. We still need to see the weight to determine if it is fixed in the hinge or a floating Automatic type but you and I agree the tube plate was from a Standard Speaker. I don't have a single Automatic that does not have the arm labeled REPRODUCER so I will be on the lookout for one. Hell eBay! Kindest Regards, Al **Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for FanHouse Fantasy Football today. (http://www.fanhouse.com/fantasyaffair?ncid=aolspr000520) ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org **Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for FanHouse Fantasy Football today. (http://www.fanhouse.com/fantasyaffair?ncid=aolspr000520)
[Phono-L] Edison Idelia at Union
It's a store all the way -- everything in here is for sale were Jalal's exact words to me. However it's clear that there are some things he would prefer to keep. The Bergmann is one of them. He set a 10,000 Euro price on it, which is close to $16,000 at today's exchange. If someone is willing to pay it, he would let it go -- but with some regret. That will likely change soon. The city of Paris is opening a phonograph/music museum right next door to the Phonogalerie later this year or early next year. Some of Jalal's treasures will go on exhibit, and I believe the Bergmann will be one of them. Best regards, Rene In a message dated 7/2/2008 9:25:47 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, jnichol at fuse.net writes: How much is he asking for Ptacek's Bergmann? I couldn't decide from the website whether the Phonogalerie is a museum or a store, or both. Jim On Jul 2, 2008, at 9:23 PM, TAEdisonJR at aol.com wrote: Yes, I finally visited Phonogalerie. An amazing shop! Too bad the exchange rate is so dismal for US buyers, there are some fine treasures there. Of course, some of those treasures have been shipped over in recent months, precisely because of the exchange rate. A $31K Idelia is only about 19K Euros, so it's a relative bargain to European buyers. The Bergmann is indeed one of Bill Ptacek's. Best regards, Rene In a message dated 7/2/2008 4:28:35 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, jnichol at fuse.net writes: Rene, did you see the Ideilia here? -- http://www.phonogalerie.com I didn't know you were in Paris. By the way, the above website has several photos of the big Bergmann tinfoil machine. I assume it was made by Bill Ptacek? Jim Nichol On Jul 2, 2008, at 6:22 PM, taedisonjr at aol.com wrote: The one sold by the Donley's is still in Paris. I saw it there last month. ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org **Gas prices getting you down? Search AOL Autos for fuel-efficient used cars. (http://autos.aol.com/used?ncid=aolaut000507 ) ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org **Gas prices getting you down? Search AOL Autos for fuel-efficient used cars. (http://autos.aol.com/used?ncid=aolaut000507)
[Phono-L] Edison Idelia at Union
It's NOT the same machine. The one sold by the Donley's is still in Paris. I saw it there last month. It is D2 with an O reproducer in top-mount carraige. The one at Union was a Model B with a conventional carriage with C reproducer. They are two different machines. Best regards, Rene Rondeau In a message dated 7/2/2008 2:19:24 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, cenfin at comcast.net writes: Why would anyone buy a machine for 31,100 and turn around and offer it for $32.000. The financial risk is huge for such a small return. An Idelia is a highly speculative investment at that level, with only appeal to a small elite segment of the hobby. I wouldnt invest $32k in anything that would would only yield a $900. return. Am I missing something? or is the desire to possess even for a short while determine behavior? Al Menashe - Original Message - From: wilenz...@bellsouth.net To: Antique Phonograph List phono-l at oldcrank.org Sent: Wednesday, July 02, 2008 1:51 PM Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Edison Idelia at Union For what it's worth, the eBay listing showed that the Donley's sold their Idelia for $31,100 (not $31,500) to Phonogalerie in Paris. It was a model D2 with O reproducer and outstanding 12 panel MG horn with wood grain finish. Interesting that the Oliphants were selling the same machine at Union for 32K. The D2 was available in the UK with the MG horn, while in the US it was sold with the mahogany cygnet. Here is an interesting question: How much less, or more, would the Union machine be selling for if it had the cygnet rather than the MG, or would the values be about the same in either configuration? Ray - Original Message - From: John Maeder appywander at hotmail.com To: Antique Phonograph List phono-l at oldcrank.org Sent: Wednesday, July 02, 2008 7:48 AM Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Edison Idelia at Union Hi Erich, My understanding from what I heard at Union is that it is indeed the same machine that the Donley's sold. John Date: Wed, 2 Jul 2008 07:17:15 -0400 From: evong at vanausdall.com To: phono-l at oldcrank.org Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Edison Idelia at Union No, the Donley's sold a while ago and I don't know if the Oliphants sold their machine. Eric -Original Message- From: phono-l-bounces at oldcrank.org [mailto:phono-l-bounces at oldcrank.org] On Behalf Of John Maeder Sent: Wednesday, July 02, 2008 7:11 AM To: Antique Phonograph List Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Edison Idelia at Union It is the same machine. John Date: Wed, 2 Jul 2008 06:25:44 -0400 From: evong at vanausdall.com To: phono-l at oldcrank.org Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Edison Idelia at Union I read an email stating the Donley's Idelia sold for 31.5K and the Oliphants were asking $32K at Union for there machine. -Original Message- From: phono-l-bounces at oldcrank.org [mailto:phono-l-bounces at oldcrank.org] On Behalf Of wilenzick at bellsouth.net Sent: Tuesday, July 01, 2008 8:55 PM To: Phono-L at oldcrank.org Subject: [Phono-L] Edison Idelia at Union Can someone provide details on the Edison Idelia that I understand was for sale at Union? Thanks. Ray ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org **Get the scoop on last night's hottest shows and the live music scene in your area - Check out TourTracker.com! (www.tourtracker.com ?NCID=aolmus0005000112)
[Phono-L] Edison Idelia at Union
Yes, I finally visited Phonogalerie. An amazing shop! Too bad the exchange rate is so dismal for US buyers, there are some fine treasures there. Of course, some of those treasures have been shipped over in recent months, precisely because of the exchange rate. A $31K Idelia is only about 19K Euros, so it's a relative bargain to European buyers. The Bergmann is indeed one of Bill Ptacek's. Best regards, Rene In a message dated 7/2/2008 4:28:35 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, jnichol at fuse.net writes: Rene, did you see the Ideilia here? --http://www.phonogalerie.com I didn't know you were in Paris. By the way, the above website has several photos of the big Bergmann tinfoil machine. I assume it was made by Bill Ptacek? Jim Nichol On Jul 2, 2008, at 6:22 PM, taedisonjr at aol.com wrote: The one sold by the Donley's is still in Paris. I saw it there last month. ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org **Gas prices getting you down? Search AOL Autos for fuel-efficient used cars. (http://autos.aol.com/used?ncid=aolaut000507)
[Phono-L] Need info on Geaorge A. Copeland
Pure scam, and a common one. The us of the name George Copeland is entirely coincidental. I am baiting this scammer using a fake name and throwaway yahoo email address. His IP shows he is in Lagos, Nigeria, not London. That's very typical, a lot of these scammers pretend to be in England because so many people are wising up to Nigerian 419 scams. But invariably their poor English gives them away. Best regards, Rene Rondeau In a message dated 6/24/2008 8:09:57 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, jimcip at earthlink.net writes: Yesterday, I received an e-mail message, not addressed to me personally, represented as being from the well known record collector discographer George A.. Copeland claiming that he was in London, his money passport had been stolen saying he needed 900 Pounds asking the recipient to help. I have bought records from Mr. Copeland but have never met him or spoken to him on the telephone. I am pleased with the records I have obtained from him find him to be trustworthy in all the dealings that I have had with him. If he is truly in trouble I would try to help.However, these messages appear to me to be a scam.He moved a few months ago I do not know his new physical address or current telephone number, having in the last few months only been in touch with him via e-mail. A message sent to his e-mail asking if the appeal was really from him drew a reply from a slightly different e-mail address. I am not that computer savy, but fear that Mr. Copeland may be a victim of identity theft. I hesitate to try to send any funds. Do any of you know Mr. Copeland's new physical address current telephone number? Have any of you received the appeal purporting to be from him stranded in London? Thanks for any help you all may be able to provide in sorting out this matter. Jim Cartwright jimcip at earthlink.net EarthLink Revolves Around You. ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org **Gas prices getting you down? Search AOL Autos for fuel-efficient used cars. (http://autos.aol.com/used?ncid=aolaut000507)
[Phono-L] zinc horn
I one had an all-zinc 30 horn which I got with an Edison 'suitcase' Standard. It was a great horn, I wish I'd kept it! Best regards, Rene Rondeau In a message dated 5/21/2008 9:17:22 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time, zonophone2006 at aol.com writes: hi this one is for a cylinder machine? 30 inches strange thanks rob -Original Message- From: stan stanford s...@clarphon.com To: Antique Phonograph List phono-l at oldcrank.org Sent: Tue, 20 May 2008 9:43 pm Subject: Re: [Phono-L] zinc horn My Victor R also has a Zinc Bell Horn. Stan Stanford - Original Message - From: Daniel Melvin d...@old-phonographs.com To: Antique Phonograph List phono-l at oldcrank.org Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2008 5:16 PM Subject: Re: [Phono-L] zinc horn My Victor R has a zinc bell horn. On Tue, May 20, 2008 at 4:21 PM, Zonophone2006 at aol.com wrote: hello all i just got back from vermont and bought a 30 inch bell zinc horn i have a witches one now but wondered how many of the zincs are out there anyone else have any i am sure george or tim must best to all zono **Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family favorites at AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod000301) ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org **Get trade secrets for amazing burgers. Watch Cooking with Tyler Florence on AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/tyler-florence?video=4?NCID=aolfod000302)
[Phono-L] Auxetophone Sold!
You're welcome to visit me and hear a variety of records played on an Auxetophone. I normally demonstrate mine with a period 12 one-sided Victor dance record of a Strauss waltz, although I confess it's at its most impressive with an electric recording of Stars Stripes. I just like to play it as it was originally intended, with contemporary dance recordings. As for Caruso, I'll often show off his recording of Over There. When he bellows the chorus it can be heard in the next county Best regards, Rene Rondeau ** Get a sneak peek of the all-new AOL at http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour From waltsomm...@comcast.net Sun Aug 12 16:08:42 2007 From: waltsomm...@comcast.net (Walt) Date: Sun Aug 12 16:10:45 2007 Subject: [Phono-L] Auxetophone Sold! In-Reply-To: 410-220078012203559...@earthlink.net Message-ID: 003301c7dd35$bc451e40$0301a...@daddell Doug/All, Firstly, please forgive this somewhat lengthy email, but your [Doug] email about the Auxetophone was a spark for me that kicked off what I hope is useful information, although perhaps a bit deeper than usual. So, from me to Doug, here's a big thanks!!! The Auxetophone reproducer uses a lever (called a weigh bar by the inventor) that ultimately interacts with a valve. This arrangement takes the place of the diaphragm. One way to help envision the technology employed is to think about how a gasoline carburetion system supplies fuel using a bowl and float valve. It's not an exact analogy it will help introduce a principle if you just envision the needle moving in and out to allow or disallow the flow of fuel. The stylus (needle) is connected to the weigh bar in such a way that the movement caused during record play essentially modulates the flow of pressurized air, the effect of which is to generate air movement (i.e. sound) that is radically more energetic than a mere diaphragm type reproducer can cause on its own. VE records should sound fantastic on the system as designed (if it is working correctly) but I have never heard them played. Has anyone else? Since the system doesn't use a diaphragm as such there isn't really much in the way of a technology that I see to borrow from the Orthophonic system because control (i.e. movement) of the [modulating] valve ultimately depends on the stylus' ability to overcome the higher positive pressure exerted on it from the compressor side of the system. I don't even think that the use of bearings would afford anything tangible to help the system operate more efficiently (i.e. better sound) but if someone wants to send me one to tear apart grin. The guy who invented the reproducer (Charles Parsons) was an English inventor with some amazing patents in the field of pneumatics generally. He doesn't seem to have been a phonograph guy at all really. His other patents, although not related to the phonograph, actually give a lot of insight about how the Auxetophone system seems to have been inspired. It takes some very open minded engineering prowess to consider, so I won't bore the list with them, but if you want the information, please email me off-list: waltsomm...@victrolaguy.com. Thanks Doug for kicking off an intellectual spark Walt -Original Message- From: phono-l-boun...@oldcrank.org [mailto:phono-l-boun...@oldcrank.org] On Behalf Of Douglas Houston Sent: Sunday, August 12, 2007 4:36 PM To: Antique Phonograph List Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Auxetophone Sold! Oh, indeed, but the punch in the enjoyment of hearing one of the Compresdair-o-phones is (to me) the way they would have handled an orchestra in a dance hall of that era. Of course, an orthophonic disc would drive the player to high output, but I just wonder if an electrical recording might over drive the pneumatic sound box into very bad distortion..? I've played a later Victor recording of Smetana's Dance of the Comedians on my Credenza, and that thing is like a P.A. system. [Original Message] From: phonol...@mac.com To: Antique Phonograph List phono-l@oldcrank.org Date: 8/12/2007 4:20:30 PM Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Auxetophone Sold! The Caruso record is actually an historically accurate demonstration. When new, these machines were often used to present a famous singer (by way of the record) in concert with a live orchestra. If you want to hear a loud demonstration, then later electrical record is more dramatic. On Aug 12, 2007, at 11:52 AM, Douglas Houston wrote: I've heard an Auxetophone, and granted, it was nice and loud. But it seems that when someone demonstrates one of those players, they always avoid using a musical selection; that is, an orchestra. They universally p,lay a Caruso recording, and I think that the thing is short-changed as far as demonstrated performance is concerned. I'd love to hear one with an orchestra playing, but probably never will. [Original Message] From: DeeDee Blais deedeebl...@yahoo.com
[Phono-L] OT-vintage car
My daily driver is a 1928 Model A Fordor sedan. I tried putting in a CD player a few years ago but the vibration of the car caused it to skip. If I can ever find tiny speakers that have adequate volume and sound quality I'd love to just stick an Ipod Shuffle behind the dash panel and load it up with period music... Best regards, Rene Rondeau ** See what's free at http://www.aol.com. From lhera...@bu.edu Sun Jun 24 19:30:45 2007 From: lhera...@bu.edu (Ron L'Herault) Date: Sun Jun 24 19:32:17 2007 Subject: [Phono-L] tape residue In-Reply-To: bay107-f10110beb446ebbcde3902395...@phx.gbl Message-ID: 002d01c7b6d0$da006420$2f01a...@ronlherault GooGone should work. It is not fast and you may have to rub a bit but if it is a nickel plated arm you won't rub off the nickel in your lifetime. Ron L -Original Message- From: phono-l-boun...@oldcrank.org [mailto:phono-l-boun...@oldcrank.org] On Behalf Of Richard Rubin Sent: Sunday, June 24, 2007 9:08 PM To: phono-l@oldcrank.org Subject: [Phono-L] tape residue Greetings, everyone. I just picked up a nice old Victrola, in which someone had duct taped the tone arm down at some point to keep it (I assume) from swinging around. They left the tape on for many years, and though it has since been removed, there is a wide band of tape residue on the arm. Naturally, I'm looking to remove this residue while preserving the arm's original finish. What is the best and/or easiest way of doing so? Thanks in adance for your ideas. --RR ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org
[Phono-L] Kruesi Replica Tinfoil Machines
There have been a few commercial production runs of Kreusi replicas, but also untold numbers of privately-made ones. The blueprints used to be sold by the Edison National Historic Site and allowed anyone with machining skills to make one or more. The three best known of the larger production runs were the following: Elmer Jones in the 1960s or 1970s. These were quite well made and can be readily identified because they have his name cast into the underside of the base. Bill Ptacek from 1995 to 2004. Bill's made somewhere over 50 in total, of exceptional quality. All have his initials (WCP) cast underneath the base, along with a serial number (e.g. 9605 -- the year and the sequence number within that year.) Mirek Stehlik ca. 1995 or so. Mirek made 25 absolutely perfect copies. He did not cast his name or initials into the base, but each has a serial number stamped into the end of the main shaft. There was another commercial run of machines made in the 1970s, I'll have to dig through my files to find the maker's name. I have never seen one of these so I don't know if they were marked in any way. The original promotional material didn't state whether they were marked. I have seen many privately-made examples, varying in quality from very amateurish to highly professional. One of the best of these one-offs was shown on the cover of the December 1977 issue of Audio magazine, and described in detail in an accompanying article. The author appears to sell himself short when he wrote that is isn't an expert machinist -- it looks outstanding -- but he did note that it took him over 300 hours to make. I hope this helps. Best regards, Rene Rondeau ** See what's free at http://www.aol.com. From back...@yahoo.com Sun Jun 10 15:19:30 2007 From: back...@yahoo.com (Dennis Back) Date: Sun Jun 10 16:00:47 2007 Subject: [Phono-L] Kruesi Replica Tinfoil Machines In-Reply-To: d68.8bbbf52.339dd...@aol.com Message-ID: 886035.32803...@web35612.mail.mud.yahoo.com --- taediso...@aol.com wrote: Mirek Stehlik ca. 1995 or so. Mirek made 25 absolutely perfect copies. Mirek's are from around 1993. Mirek made 30 copies. He told me so yesterday via email. Dennis Sucker-punch spam with award-winning protection. Try the free Yahoo! Mail Beta. http://advision.webevents.yahoo.com/mailbeta/features_spam.html From wilenz...@bellsouth.net Sun Jun 10 16:52:33 2007 From: wilenz...@bellsouth.net (wilenz...@bellsouth.net) Date: Sun Jun 10 16:55:36 2007 Subject: [Phono-L] Kruesi Replica Tinfoil Machines References: d68.8bbbf52.339dd...@aol.com Message-ID: 002301c7abba$6a5b8d00$6101a...@wilenzick I bought an excellent replica Kreusi at Union around 1995 for $500, which was made by Paul McGilvery of Lisle, IL. I recently sold it on eBay for many times that amount! Ray - Original Message - From: taediso...@aol.com To: phono-l@oldcrank.org Sent: Sunday, June 10, 2007 6:08 PM Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Kruesi Replica Tinfoil Machines There have been a few commercial production runs of Kreusi replicas, but also untold numbers of privately-made ones. The blueprints used to be sold by the Edison National Historic Site and allowed anyone with machining skills to make one or more. The three best known of the larger production runs were the following: Elmer Jones in the 1960s or 1970s. These were quite well made and can be readily identified because they have his name cast into the underside of the base. Bill Ptacek from 1995 to 2004. Bill's made somewhere over 50 in total, of exceptional quality. All have his initials (WCP) cast underneath the base, along with a serial number (e.g. 9605 -- the year and the sequence number within that year.) Mirek Stehlik ca. 1995 or so. Mirek made 25 absolutely perfect copies. He did not cast his name or initials into the base, but each has a serial number stamped into the end of the main shaft. There was another commercial run of machines made in the 1970s, I'll have to dig through my files to find the maker's name. I have never seen one of these so I don't know if they were marked in any way. The original promotional material didn't state whether they were marked. I have seen many privately-made examples, varying in quality from very amateurish to highly professional. One of the best of these one-offs was shown on the cover of the December 1977 issue of Audio magazine, and described in detail in an accompanying article. The author appears to sell himself short when he wrote that is isn't an expert machinist -- it looks outstanding -- but he did note that it took him over 300 hours to make. I hope this helps. Best regards, Rene Rondeau ** See what's free at http://www.aol.com
[Phono-L] Why hasn't anyone bid?
So, the seller says If this doesn't work out, I am going to send it off to NYC, and pay the 35%, which I am trying to avoid. That means when it goes up in a real, no-reserve live auction, he'll pocket a cool $150 or so after commission -- if he's very, very lucky. He'd do a whole lot better just putting it back on eBay at $1 opening bid and no reserve. How much is it costing him to list these auctions He's probably paying eBay more than he could ever get out of the decal Best regards, Rene Rondeau ** See what's free at http://www.aol.com. From waltsomm...@comcast.net Sat May 12 19:12:21 2007 From: waltsomm...@comcast.net (Walt) Date: Sat May 12 19:16:43 2007 Subject: [Phono-L] Why hasn't anyone bid? In-Reply-To: 00c801c794ee$ed0df270$6401a...@none05vofc1vwp Message-ID: 000801c79504$25b5d5b0$0200a...@daddell The auction estimate seems more to serve the auction house's [potential] interest and not the owner. That is, they want to see whether or not they might be interested in consigning an item. I believe that even the 2 largest houses will provide an auction estimate at no charge (it just takes a while - a long while). They do not say that you cannot state that you had an estimate from such and such an auction house, just that you cannot state what the value is that the estimate provides. It's all designed to serve the auction house. The reason the seller doesn't mention which major NY auction house gave the auction estimate is because there is no auction estimate. If, for example, I had an auction estimate prepared for, say, a Vernis-Martin (which is impossible because Bob Johnson has them all...but just pretend...) by Sotheby's I would crazy to not state that I had obtained an auction estimate from them and they would love their name mentioned. But, beyond the mention of the house I am obliged (probably by New York State Law - dunno for sure) to not reveal the estimated value. -Original Message- From: phono-l-boun...@oldcrank.org [mailto:phono-l-boun...@oldcrank.org] On Behalf Of George Glastris, Edison Gallery Sent: Saturday, May 12, 2007 7:40 PM To: Antique Phonograph List Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Why hasn't anyone bid? For a laugh, I emailed him and asked which major NY auction house gave him that appraisal, and here is his reply. I would love to tell you, but I had to sign a confidentiallity agreement certifying I wouldn't disclose that information to any third party, or publish it. Just to be clear, it wasn't an appraisal. It was an auction estimate. The estimate is what they feel they would get for it, if they offered it for sale. An appraisal would be a written document, used for insurance purposes. I will say it is one of the 2 largest houses in the world. If you don't feel comfortable, please don't bid. I understand how you feel. If this doesn't work out, I am going to send it off to NYC, and pay the 35%, which I am trying to avoid. Thanks for your inquiry. Greg Well, as someone who used to work for the major auction houses, I can tell you, they never make you sign anything of the sot. And while an appraisal and an auction estimate are not technically the same thing, you can appraise something for auction purposes or for insurance purposes. So, in other words, this guy is lying out the wazoo! If only he knew that he was giving so much entertainment to us. Best to all, George Glastris - Original Message - From: taediso...@aol.com To: phono-l@oldcrank.org Sent: Saturday, May 12, 2007 5:59 PM Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Why hasn't anyone bid? My guess is that when there was a reserve, someone decided to yank his chain and place a bid knowing that there was no legal obligation. Once the seller relisted it without reserve no jokers are about to put their necks on the line. I also suspect that the international inquiries he got were from the fake check scam artists who plague high-ticket items on eBay. He may well end up selling it for $250K and getting a bogus check for $260K, with a request to refund the overpayment by Western Union. I almost feel like writing the guy a note but even if I bend over backwards to be polite I'm sure he'll just figure I'm trying to con him out of his fortune. He'd be very lucky to get $250 for it in a truly open auction, let alone $250,000. Best regards, Rene Rondeau ** See what's free at http://www.aol.com. ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.467 / Virus Database: 269.6.8/800 - Release Date: 5/11/2007 7:34 PM
[Phono-L] Edison article in NY Times
In a message dated 3/11/2007 12:41:58 PM Pacific Daylight Time, ediso...@verizon.net writes: You'd think somebody writing a book would look up basic facts, but here's a quote which jumped out at me right away, and I'm no expert on the people mentioned: == Uh-oh, that's making me regret having pre-ordered this from Amazon when I first heard about it. I fear this may be another of those shoddy research jobs that drive me crazy Best regards, Rene Rondeau BRBRBR**BR AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at http://www.aol.com. From john9...@pacbell.net Sun Mar 11 22:11:30 2007 From: john9...@pacbell.net (john robles) Date: Sun Mar 11 22:11:52 2007 Subject: [Phono-L] DD Lock help? Message-ID: 288464.99874...@web83012.mail.mud.yahoo.com Hi all I have a beautiful DD A-250, and I was having trouble getting the locking mechanism to work. After a long search I found an original dolphin key, but this machine uses the early key with just one notch cut in the tooth, not two like later keys. The key fits the lock, but didn't work. Finally, after having had this machine for 7 months, I realized that the reason it didn't workis that part of it was inside the lid escutcheon. Apparently, the machine was locked at one time and the owner lost the key. they used a hacksaw blade to cut the lock mechanism and open the cabinet. When I removed the upper escutcheon, the cut off portion of the lock fell out (the part where the two litle tabs come out and lock the lid down). Now the $50,000 question - Does anyone have one of these early DD locks? The later one will fit it, but before I go that route I want to try and find an earlier lock. I am a stickler for originality... Any help here? Thanks John From rvu...@comcast.net Mon Mar 12 03:38:04 2007 From: rvu...@comcast.net (Robert Vuillemenot) Date: Mon Mar 12 03:38:41 2007 Subject: [Phono-L] DD Lock help? In-Reply-To: 288464.99874...@web83012.mail.mud.yahoo.com Message-ID: 005a01c76492$8ef87980$6500a...@your4dacd0ea75 John, If I were you I wouldn't lock the lid. In the winter when you have your heat on, the wood in old phonographs can shrink just enough to make opening a locked phonograph very difficult. It has happened to me with several phonographs I owned. Once I thought I might break the lock or the key before it opened. If the dolphin key you have will fit in the escutcheon I would just leave it there unlocked. It will look fine. RMV -Original Message- From: phono-l-boun...@oldcrank.org [mailto:phono-l-boun...@oldcrank.org] On Behalf Of john robles Sent: Monday, March 12, 2007 1:12 AM To: phono-l@oldcrank.org Subject: [Phono-L] DD Lock help? Hi all I have a beautiful DD A-250, and I was having trouble getting the locking mechanism to work. After a long search I found an original dolphin key, but this machine uses the early key with just one notch cut in the tooth, not two like later keys. The key fits the lock, but didn't work. Finally, after having had this machine for 7 months, I realized that the reason it didn't workis that part of it was inside the lid escutcheon. Apparently, the machine was locked at one time and the owner lost the key. they used a hacksaw blade to cut the lock mechanism and open the cabinet. When I removed the upper escutcheon, the cut off portion of the lock fell out (the part where the two litle tabs come out and lock the lid down). Now the $50,000 question - Does anyone have one of these early DD locks? The later one will fit it, but before I go that route I want to try and find an earlier lock. I am a stickler for originality... Any help here? Thanks John ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org
[Phono-L] Dave Heitz Collection
In a message dated 3/1/2007 5:32:19 P.M. Pacific Standard Time, jnic...@fuse.net writes: Rene, what kind of tinfoil machine did Dave have? Where is it now? Was he using your tinfoil? What machines did you buy from Dave? Sorry if I'm too nosey. == Dave never owned an original tinfoil, much to his frustration. He had a replica Kruesi (the first prototype phonograph) that he used regularly for demonstrations to school groups which visited his private museum. And yes, he did use the authentic tinfoil I supplied, much preferring it to the aluminum foil he used to use. He did have a couple of opportunities to acquire original European tinfoils but he was a hardcore purist and held out for one made under Edison's own imprimatur. The closest he came was when a Parlor Model was auctioned at Christie's in 1999. He was outbid, and ever-after he lamented that he hadn't reached even higher! I treasure all the machines I have from the Heitz collection: -- Berliner hand-wind (which he had acquired out of the Drake Museum) -- Victor B (one of his personal favorites) -- Paillard Maestrophone (Stirling hot-air motor and another of his favorites) -- Edison Diamond Disc A-290 (inlaid marquetry Sheraton, which I used to see in his dining room) -- Columbia AA (a common machine but very mint, which graced the 18th-century original living room of his house) Best regards, Rene BRBRBR**BR AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at http://www.aol.com. From jnic...@fuse.net Fri Mar 2 18:47:08 2007 From: jnic...@fuse.net (Jim Nichol) Date: Fri Mar 2 18:47:27 2007 Subject: [Phono-L] Dave Heitz Collection In-Reply-To: bdf.1166043e.3319b...@aol.com References: bdf.1166043e.3319b...@aol.com Message-ID: d8a10777-b75a-4fb1-8ffa-778d22cb5...@fuse.net Thanks. Just looked at those machines on your website. Looks like you did well to get them. Jim On Mar 2, 2007, at 11:53 AM, taediso...@aol.com wrote: In a message dated 3/1/2007 5:32:19 P.M. Pacific Standard Time, jnic...@fuse.net writes: Rene, what kind of tinfoil machine did Dave have? Where is it now? Was he using your tinfoil? What machines did you buy from Dave? Sorry if I'm too nosey. == Dave never owned an original tinfoil, much to his frustration. He had a replica Kruesi (the first prototype phonograph) that he used regularly for demonstrations to school groups which visited his private museum. And yes, he did use the authentic tinfoil I supplied, much preferring it to the aluminum foil he used to use. He did have a couple of opportunities to acquire original European tinfoils but he was a hardcore purist and held out for one made under Edison's own imprimatur. The closest he came was when a Parlor Model was auctioned at Christie's in 1999. He was outbid, and ever-after he lamented that he hadn't reached even higher! I treasure all the machines I have from the Heitz collection: -- Berliner hand-wind (which he had acquired out of the Drake Museum) -- Victor B (one of his personal favorites) -- Paillard Maestrophone (Stirling hot-air motor and another of his favorites) -- Edison Diamond Disc A-290 (inlaid marquetry Sheraton, which I used to see in his dining room) -- Columbia AA (a common machine but very mint, which graced the 18th-century original living room of his house) Best regards, Rene
[Phono-L] Columbia AS reborn
That is very, very impressive. And how wonderful to know that such a fine, rare machine was brought back from the dead. Superb work! Best regards, Rene Rondeau From lo...@oldcrank.com Fri Feb 2 09:29:59 2007 From: lo...@oldcrank.com (Loran Hughes) Date: Fri Feb 2 09:56:02 2007 Subject: [Phono-L] Columbia AS reborn In-Reply-To: c43.c266007.32f4c...@aol.com References: c43.c266007.32f4c...@aol.com Message-ID: 3fd40645-9729-4e2e-8b36-1b00d0c0d...@oldcrank.com Ken, You leave me absolutely speechless. Great job! Loran From phonofo...@aol.com Fri Feb 2 11:02:46 2007 From: phonofo...@aol.com (phonofo...@aol.com) Date: Fri Feb 2 11:03:13 2007 Subject: [Phono-L] Columbia AS reborn In-Reply-To: 200702021544.l12fidqx015...@dish8.net.ibizdns.com Message-ID: 8c91513dc4eb594-198c-1...@fwm-d04.sysops.aol.com Ken is one of the best restorers I personally know. Great job Ken. You're the man!!! Still great after all these years! Rick Mazur -Original Message- From: bjohn...@mrvictor.com To: phono-l@oldcrank.org Sent: Fri, 2 Feb 2007 10:42 AM Subject: RE: [Phono-L] Columbia AS reborn Beautiful Ken: To those Phono-L members who don't know of Ken's restoration talents, he recently finished restoring three early case multiphones, one of which is mine, a restoration job that another prominent phonograph restorer said could not be done. Thanks for posting the pictures Ken. Bob -Original Message- From: phono-l-boun...@oldcrank.org [mailto:phono-l-boun...@oldcrank.org] On Behalf Of Ken Danckaert Sent: Friday, February 02, 2007 3:29 AM To: phono-l@oldcrank.org Subject: [Phono-L] Columbia AS reborn Awhile back one of the members posted some pictures of a Columbia AS that had been demolished in shipping due to virtually no packing in the box when shipped. The first two URLs show the machine as it was received from the Post Office. Most people would have given up at that point. It was given to me for restoration. Restoration did not include any repainting or refinishing. There were a number of coin mechanism parts that were missing and had to be made. The top casting that was damaged beyond hope was replaced with another one of the same vintage. As you can see, the signboard is new and I am currently working to match the stains for appropriate color. I thought that you would like to see that even what appears to be a hopeless machine can be brought back to life. The URLs show the before and after for this very nice machine. Ken Danckaert http://img106.imageshack.us/img106/3026/phono4hi7.jpg http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/673/phono3ek6.jpg http://img374.imageshack.us/img374/2272/casetopgl4.jpg http://img50.imageshack.us/img50/5909/mechfrontvw0.jpg http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/5372/caseworksfrontqx3.jpg http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/8151/caseworksopen1zi9.jpg http://img47.imageshack.us/img47/5899/casemechsignboarduq2.jpg ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org ___ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org Check out the new AOL. Most comprehensive set of free safety and security tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from across the web, free AOL Mail and more. From klin...@modex.com Fri Feb 2 17:11:35 2007 From: klin...@modex.com (Bill Klinger) Date: Fri Feb 2 17:21:58 2007 Subject: [Phono-L] ARSC Memberships 2007 Message-ID: 009e01c74730$4042a420$0201a...@billqbszr49l7m The following message has been posted by the Outreach Committee of the Association for Recorded Sound Collections (ARSC). If you have any questions, please click on the link or e-mail address below. Please DO NOT simply hit REPLY or post further messages to this list. ---2007 ARSC INDIVIDUAL, INSTITUTIONAL, AND STUDENT MEMBERSHIPS--- We would like to remind those of you who are not members to please consider joining ARSC. ARSC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and study of sound recordings -- in all genres of music and speech, in all formats, and from all periods. ARSC is unique in bringing together private individuals and institutional professionals -- anyone with an interest in recorded sound. As a member, you will receive: -- The peer-reviewed ARSC Journal: published twice each year, containing a wealth of in-depth articles, papers, reports, and book and record reviews. -- The ARSC Newsletter: published three times per year, delivering timely announcements, short articles, and a calendar of coming events (submitted by the membership). -- The ARSC Membership Directory: compiled every two years, providing contact information for members and listing their collecting interests and research activities. -- Discounted registration for the annual ARSC conference. A one-year membership is just $36 for individuals, $40 for institutions.
[Phono-L] CAPS show report wanted!
Okay, maybe I'm biased since I'm now editing the CAPS journal, The Sound Box, but in my opinion it was an excellent show in every respect. The CAPS show seems to be growing steadily, and it is now equivalent in size to the east coast shows (Union still dominates all of them). It is also attracting more and more out of state visitors every year. What makes the CAPS show so much more special than the others is the early buyer opening on Saturday afternoon during setup, and especially the banquet on Saturday night. No other group does such an entertaining and informative event. The banquet is a great opportunity to relax and chat with friends. The quality of the meal itself has improved significantly in the past couple of years with a new caterer handling it. It's pretty remarkable considering they serve 100 people! What really sets the banquet apart is that each year a speaker is invited to give an informative presentation. This year's guest speaker was Jack Stanley, director of the Menlo Park Museum in Edison, NJ. Jack is incredibly knowledgeable about Edison, and he gave a hugely entertaining talk about Edison -- the man versus the myth. I'm sure everyone in attendance will agree that it was a sensational presentation. The show itself, like others of its kind, offers something for everyone. There were huge amounts of records, all sorts of parts, and machines ranging from common fixer-uppers to gorgeous high-end showpieces. In short, it was a lot of fun. The CAPS board, and especially Bruce Peterson who handles most aspects of the show and banquet each year, deserve kudos for the great job they do. Best regards, Rene Rondeau -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.oldcrank.org/pipermail/phono-l/attachments/20040823/800e8d37/attachment.html From s...@clarphon.com Mon Aug 23 20:13:03 2004 From: s...@clarphon.com (Stan Stanford) Date: Sun Dec 24 13:09:46 2006 Subject: [Phono-L] CAPS show report wanted! References: 7ebcb54b-f565-11d8-9fcd-000393c78...@alamedanet.net Message-ID: 001501c48988$44f32700$0200a...@stan I attended the CAPS show and had a great time. There were interesting machines for sale and I was able to sell a nice machine, extra parts, and smaller items. It was a great show for me. The CAPS leadership is very friendly and helpful. The banquet speaker from the Edison site was outstanding. I encourage all to put it on your calendar for next year!! It's always the second weekend in August. Stan Stanford Portland, OR - Original Message - From: Peter Fraser pjfra...@alamedanet.net To: Antique Phonograph List Phono-l@oldcrank.org Sent: Monday, August 23, 2004 5:35 PM Subject: [Phono-L] CAPS show report wanted! Gang - Remarkably, not one posting has arrived telling us how wonderful, or crappy, or whatever-in-between, the CAPS show of a couple weekends ago may have been. So what gives? did anybody go? If you did, please share your observations, complaints and brags with us! -- Peter pjfra...@alamedanet.net To announce that there must be no criticism of the president, or that we are to stand by the president, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public. -- Theodore Roosevelt, speaking on President Wilson's crackdown on dissent after the U.S. entered W.W.I ___ Phono-L mailing list Phono-L@oldcrank.org http://oldcrank.org/mailman/listinfo/phono-l
[Phono-L] OT-new scam (not ebay!)
In a message dated 4/13/04 9:21:40 AM Pacific Daylight Time, ryansrecor...@hotmail.com writes: I just got this fishy email this morning. I got very suspicious when it asked for my bank info, and after doing a web search on it it was definitely a scam. Check out http://www.scamorama.com/lotto.html for more. And for some good laughs, read some of the anti-scammer baiting stories on the main page: www.scamorama.com. Best regards, Rene Rondeau From smille1 Tue Apr 13 11:37:31 2004 From: smille1 (Sean Miller) Date: Sun Dec 24 13:10:38 2006 Subject: [Phono-L] OT-new scam (not ebay!) Message-ID: 1295470.1081874329078.javamail.administra...@atp2 I have not only gotten a few of these lottery ones, but also those letters from other countries asking for donations to help certain causes. After more than three years with this e-mail address, these have been the first scam e-mails I have ever gotten...and they're getting more and more clever! Sean On Tue, 13 Apr 2004 10:20:40 -0600 Ryan Barna ryansrecor...@hotmail.com wrote. Folks, I just got this fishy email this morning. I got very suspicious when it asked for my bank info, and after doing a web search on it it was definitely a scam. And this isn't ebay either! These scammers are really trying to go the extra mile, so if you see anything like this pop up in your inbox, just hit the delete key: MEGA LOTTERY INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONAL PROMOTION/PRIZE AWARD DEPT. REF Number : MLI/231-ILGI0431/03 BATCH Number : EAPA/15/096/PTNL TICKET Number : 20511465897-6291 SERIAL Number : 472-971103 LUCKY Number : 8-66-97-22-71-64 RE: WINNING FINAL NOTIFICATION Dear Winner, We are pleased to inform you of the result of the Lottery Winners International programs held on the 6th of April 2004. Your E-mail address attached to Ticket number 20511465897-6291 with Serial number 472-971103 drew lucky numbers 8-66-97-22-71-64 which consequently won in the 2nd category, you have therefore been approved for a lump sum payout of US$ 1,500,000.00 (One Million ,Five hundred Thousand United States Dollars).This is from a total cash prize of USD$15,000,000.00 Million share among Ten International Lucky Winners in the Category A ( Plus ) . CONGRATULATIONS!!! Be inform that your documents have to pass our Authority to obtain a clearance which shall be attached to your Document in readiness of the subsequently onward transfer into your nominated bank account with 24 hours of completion of the authentication. Due to mix up of some numbers and names, we ask that you keep your winning information very confidential till your claims has been processed as the Beneficiary Certificate Ownership Winning Notification, Stamp duties and re-activation of Account of your prize /money remitted in readiness of the subsequently onward transfer into your nominated Bank Account. This is in conformity with the latest transfer regulation signed by the Organisation / Netherlands Government since this is part of our Security protocol measures to avoid double claiming and unwarranted abuse of this program by some participants. All participants were selected through a computer ballot system drawn from over 100,000,000 Companies and 200,000,000 individual email addresses and names from all over the world,through the aid of our insurance Company This promotional program takes place annually. We hope you will take part in our next year USD$45 Million International lottery. To file for your claim, please contact our /your fiducial agent Mr. RAYMOND LEWIS of the EURO ACCREDITED PAYMENT AGENT TEL: 31-630-985-937 FAX: 31-641-593-184 Email: raymonle...@mail2raymond.com NOTE: That all winning must be claimed not later than 5th of June 2004. After this date all unclaimed, funds will be included in the next stake.Anybody under the age of 18 is automatically disqualified. Finally, we ensure that you note every letters as clearly stated as we would not be held responsible should there be hitch in this transaction due laxity on your part.So you are to expedite action, Failure to do this we shall be compelled to lose your fund in other words,we shall divert your fund to somewhere else.In order to avoid unnecessary delays and complications;Kindly remember to quote your reference number and batch numbers in all correspondence. Furthermore, should there be any change of address do inform our agent as soon as possible. Congratulations once more from our members of staff and thank you for being part of our promotional program. Yours Truly, Mrs. Estella Rogers Lottery Coordinator _ Persistent heartburn? Check out Digestive Health Wellness for information and advice. http://gerd.msn.com/default.asp ___ Phono-l mailing list phon...@oldcrank.com http://t2.cwihosting.com/mailman/listinfo/phono-l_oldcrank.com
[Phono-L] US $19,990.00 (Reserve met)
In a message dated 11/2/03 8:48:41 AM Pacific Standard Time, chippendale...@aol.com writes: (I too have been disappointed by the pitiful displays at the Smithsonian.) --- As a collector I completely agree that we often do a better job of preservation than museums. Fortunately many museums respect and value collectors for their efforts and knowledge. I also agree that museums do a very poor job when it comes to displaying phonographs. Unfortunately, they're forced to do whatever it takes to attract visitors, and it would seem that phonographs don't generate much interest among the general public (more's the pity). As a result museums like the Smithsonian and Henry Ford, which had phonograph displays in the past (though not exactly wonderful ones) have since converted the space to more exciting exhibits. One thing I can say in favor of museums, however, is that in my experience they are unfailingly helpful to researchers. While they don't have even halfway decent public exhibits, the Smithsonian, Ford, and others do go to great lengths to preserve their collections and make them available for serious study. I'd love to see these machines available for viewing by the public, but at least many of them can be seen in books. While most collectors I've dealt with have been helpful in research projects, the centralized collections of museums offer a tremendous concentrated resource. Best regards, Rene Rondeau From loran Sun Nov 2 11:45:44 2003 From: loran (Loran T. Hughes) Date: Sun Dec 24 13:10:24 2006 Subject: [Phono-L] Speaking of interesting items... Message-ID: 1067795144.2357.40.ca...@localhost Check out this photo going off in a few hours: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemitem=3250025017category=409 In one of the closeup shots, it appears this gent has hooked up an air pressure tank (see the presure gauge?) to his Graphophone. Has he built a home-made Auxeto-Kinetophone? The photo is fantastic... just wish I had the original set-up in my collection (insert evil grin here). Loran
[Phono-L] Polyphone Horn
In a message dated 3/9/2005 3:58:59 AM Pacific Standard Time, bruce78...@comcast.net writes: Could you confirm the dimensions? This one is 14 1/2 long and is 6 1/4+ across the horn opening. --- There are some minor variations in these. The two on my Polyphone Standard are 14 by 6-1/2, the Bijou is 14-1/2 by 6-1/4. Best regards, Rene
[Phono-L] Re: Edison Phono on Antique Road Show this week
In a message dated 3/31/2005 2:08:37 PM Pacific Standard Time, gpaul2...@aol.com writes: I wasn't going to jump into this one, but decided to share an interesting (at least I thought it was interesting!) tidbit about Roadshow. A friend who is quite knowledgeable of British militaria saw an 18th century dragoon helmet being examined on the show. My friend took immediate notice because of the rarity of this helmet, and its excellent condition. In fact, there's only one known! My friend contacted HIS friend - the owner of the helmet - and yes indeed... The Road Show actually RENTED the helmet from the collector, and hired an actor to present it on camera as an attic find. That's showmanship, folks! I have less of a problem with the phoney provenance of an item than I do having an unqualified person discuss/appraise it. -- I seem to recall an instance a few years ago with an appraiser of Civil War artifacts who did a similar setup. He was found out and severely censured for his unethical grandstanding Best regards, Rene Rondeau
[Phono-L] Even More Unusual item on eBay
In a message dated 7/5/2005 10:18:29 AM Pacific Standard Time, plav...@hotmail.com writes: There are some really indecent fakes appearing on the market at the moment. -- As witness this Klingsor fake: _http://tinyurl.com/7798d_ (http://tinyurl.com/7798d) Best regards, Rene Rondeau
[Phono-L] Fishing expedition for a lost cylinder
In a message dated 2/4/2005 4:33:58 PM Pacific Standard Time, john9...@pacbell.net writes: Unfortunately, he picked it up before I could shout that the box bottom had come unglued. So naturally the record fell out and shattered on the wood floor. He checks boxes before picking them up now. -- At the CAPS show a few years back Tim Fabrizio gingerly held a cylinder box out to me and proceeded to tell me he had just found this, it was one of the rarest records he'd ever even heard about, and he was thrilled to have found it for only $200. I took the box to check out the cylinder but -- there was no bottom on the box and the record instantly slipped down and shattered on the floor into a million pieces. I was absolutely mortified but when he convulsed in laughter I realized it was a set-up. The record was a moldy, cracked throwaway and he deliberately slipped it into a bottomless box in order to yank my chain. He succeeded royally. So now I've learned to check boxes before picking them up, and also to keep Tim at arm's length. (Good advice for everyone else out there!) And yes, Tim, I *will* get you back for that someday! Best regards, Rene Rondeau
[Phono-L] E-bay listing for the AUXETOPHONE
In a message dated 2/5/2005 7:49:56 PM Pacific Standard Time, tom...@msn.com writes: Check out what the AUXETOPHONE went for: --- Two others have sold privately in the past year. Although their prices were not publicly confirmed, based on various (and consistent) reports they were right in line with the eBay sale. One apparently sold for quite a bit more. There are only 16 Auxetophones confirmed to exist world-wide, two of which are permanently locked away in museums. It's amazing that three should change hands in less than a year, but I suspect that after those sales it is very unlikely that another will come on the market in the next decade. All the machines I know of are owned by collectors who have no current interest in selling. I confess that these astonishing prices make me feel pretty good about my own Auxetophone right now, but I still have absolutely no intention of ever selling it. Although I could apparently make a pretty amazing profit on it, It ranks at the very top of my list of favorites and it is definitely a keeper! Best regards, Rene Rondeau
[Phono-L] Experts Edison Phono on Antique Road Show
In a message dated 4/4/2005 6:55:28 PM Pacific Standard Time, pjfra...@alamedanet.net writes: well, don't keep us in suspense here...is he doing time? According to the Justice Dept. website, he got off easy: On July 11, 2002, Russell Pritchard III was sentenced to one year in prison and was ordered to repay $830,000 for staging phony appraisals and defrauding Civil War militaria collectors.
[Phono-L] Haunted Victrola
In a message dated 4/11/2005 6:38:37 PM Pacific Standard Time, aph4...@aol.com writes: But of course the decimal point just happens to be in the wrong place. Note that this is the STARTING bid -- there's a reserve over and above that! Such a bargain... Best regards, Rene Rondeau
[Phono-L] Ebay spoof or phished e-mail Fw: TKO NOTICE: *** Your eBay ...
By the way, whether or not you actually filled out a spoof form, if you even click on the link in these emails you are at risk. These typically have keyloggers or other nasty trojans which can cause serious problems. Run a spyware and adware detector frequently, and never click links in suspicious emails! Best regards, Rene Rondeau
[Phono-L] Phono buying in 1975...
In a message dated 3/10/04 6:37:07 PM Pacific Standard Time, sinatrafang...@yahoo.com writes: The sad truth is that if you accumulated your collection in the 60's and 70's, as many did, its worth about 3 times less than you paid for it, if you adjust for inflation. That may be true of the 1970s, I can't really say because I was in a sort of hiatus at that point while I got settled into my independence after graduating from college. But when it comes to buying in the 1960s, I think I did okay even factoring for inflation. A few examples, with modern dollar equivalents based on the CPI Inflation Calculator website (http://146.142.4.24/cgi-bin/cpicalc.pl). --Columbia Model AB MacDonald - cost $20 in 1962, factored for inflation $122.65 now --Victor III with flowered morning glory accessory horn - $8 in 1963, $48.42 after inflation --Zonophone Model A - $25 in 1964, $149.35 after inflation --Columbia BO with 2/4 minute adapter and Herzog half-barrel cabinet, full of records - $40 in 1963, $242.09 after inflation -- Columbia Type N - $5 in 1964, $29.87 after inflation -- Edison Triumph Model B - $35 in 1962, $214.64 after inflation -- Edison Opera - $80 in 1966 (with 120 records), $457.28 after inflation -- Victor V with wood spearpoint, MINT condition - $40 in 1965, $235.17 after inflation -- Columbia Type A, Washington decal, gutta percha reproducer, morning glory horn stand, large box of brown wax records (at auction) - $17 in 1962, $104.25 after inflation I could go on all night, but I think it's clear that at least in the early 1960s, machines were cheap even after factoring for inflation. (There's nothing at all unusual about the ones I've listed -- everything I bought was similarly priced.) I had well over 50 machines in that era and all would still qualify as fantastic bargains regardless of inflation. Even my worst buys, like a Peter Pan at $20 ($122.65 now) aren't too horrifying. For that matter, many of the machines I've bought in the last ten years seem like fantastic bargains today, even some bought from some of the most sophisticated and expensive dealers in the business. I won't deny that common Standards and Homes are soft in the market, but there are LOTS of machines which have appreciated steadily for as long as I've been in the hobby (43 years). I have no complaints -- I've had a lot of fun and have made out reasonably well financially, though that was never my motivation. Best regards, Rene Rondeau From Zonophone2002 Thu Mar 11 04:04:06 2004 From: Zonophone2002 (zonophone2...@aol.com) Date: Sun Dec 24 13:10:36 2006 Subject: [Phono-L] Phono buying in 1975... Message-ID: d1.73d8472.2d819...@aol.com i did get a victor 6 off ebay last year for 3500 so you can still find bargains but ebay has shown to all of us how common some machines are and some that are not i can remember in the 70s buying blue amberols for about 1 dollar each now they are all over the board for price happy collecting rob From Zonophone2002 Thu Mar 11 04:05:21 2004 From: Zonophone2002 (zonophone2...@aol.com) Date: Sun Dec 24 13:10:36 2006 Subject: [Phono-L] Phono buying in 1975... Message-ID: 131.2b0c9d86.2d819...@aol.com hi all you are suppossed to pay 25 percent on your capital gain profit on collectibles right steve do any of us lol rob From plavzic Thu Mar 11 04:52:33 2004 From: plavzic (Robert Plavzic) Date: Sun Dec 24 13:10:36 2006 Subject: [Phono-L] Phono buying in 1975... Message-ID: bay13-f34g04fecezk20002d...@hotmail.com The 1960's prices - ouch! Also when I look at the catalogs from the early Christies Sales in London in the late 70's, hand wind Berliners were being practically given away (low 4 figures) Isn't there some sort of cycle: new / second hand / junk / quaint / cute / collectible / antique where one has a starting price which drops down till the item is junk lots of the items are thrown away. The next generation becomes interested...collects etc and prices start to rise. Early in my collecting days I received a good piece of advice (which I unfortunately always fail to follow) - instead of buying 3 or 4 average machines, save your money buy 1 exceptional machine, they will always keep their value. However for me value is relative. I could buy shares if I wanted value (or lack of it!) happy hunting Robert sinatrafang...@yahoo.com writes: The sad truth is that if you accumulated your collection in the 60's and 70's, as many did, its worth about 3 times less than you paid for it, if you adjust for inflation. That may be true of the 1970s, I can't really say because I was in a sort of hiatus at that point while I got settled into my independence after graduating from college. But when it comes to buying in the 1960s, I think I did okay even factoring for inflation. A few examples, with modern dollar equivalents based on the CPI Inflation Calculator website --Columbia Model AB MacDonald - cost $20 in 1962, factored for inflation
[Phono-L] Union Disappointment
I had the same impression as Stan -- I thought this year's show was sensational, and a lot of fun. It has been years since I've seen so many interesting machines in any show. Prices weren't cheap but that indicates that the market for phonographs is very healthy, and that's basically good news. This year's weather left something to be desired, but that was more than made up for by the excitement of the show itself. I'm already looking forward to next year. Best regards, Rene Rondeau From RKolba0211 Wed Jun 16 14:01:42 2004 From: RKolba0211 (rkolba0...@aol.com) Date: Sun Dec 24 13:10:43 2006 Subject: [Phono-L] Union Appreciation Message-ID: 1db.241f8d51.2e01f...@aol.com This was the best show in many years. It always presents an opportunity to visit with old friends and share information. Most dealers did very well which indicates there were also many happy buyers. We collectors have to accept the fact that the entire market has changed. Ebay provides an international outlet for quality merchandise. In the past, a collector might come across a phonograph that needed work but declined because his options for selling (malls, shows, etc) were limited...as was the buyer exposure to the restored item. Now it makes economic sense to put in the extra effort. What we no longer see are the ridiculous low prices asked by those who have no knowledge of value. We are in a more sophisticated market and the quality merchandise commands quality prices. Union was great. From pokeefe571 Wed Jun 16 14:29:48 2004 From: pokeefe571 (Phil O'Keefe) Date: Sun Dec 24 13:10:43 2006 Subject: [Phono-L] Union Disappointment In-Reply-To: 20040616163449.20540.qm...@web52003.mail.yahoo.com Message-ID: bcf60a26.87c6%pokeefe...@netzero.com Phillip, I guess it all depends on what you were looking for at the show. If you were looking for cheap, fixer-upper phonographs, then I agree that Union is probably not the place to go. You would be far better off checking out antique stores and estate sales for what you want. I went to Union primarily to look at phonographs and to buy new records. I found plenty of good deals on cylinder records and a few good deals on disks. Although I couldn't spend a whole lot, the show was very satisfying for me and I had a good time. I am planning on going next year. -Phil O'Keefe On 6/16/04 11:34 AM, Phillip Sands sinatrafang...@yahoo.com wrote: I go to the Union show to buy things to fix up. Year before last I filled my van and spent $8000. Last year I spent $5000. This year I spent just under $400. Thats four hundred. Its the last time I'm going. Everything is grossly overpriced and its just not worth it anymore. I heard the word 'Ebay' echoing around the place everywhere I turned. A machine that would have had a price of 450 on it last year, was 700 this year. Forget it. __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail Address AutoComplete - You start. We finish. http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail ___ Phono-l mailing list phon...@oldcrank.com http://mail.oldcrank.com/mailman/listinfo/phono-l_oldcrank.com
[Phono-L] Union Disappointment
In a message dated 6/16/04 9:23:37 PM Pacific Daylight Time, sinatrafang...@yahoo.com writes: There was less selling in the parking lot, because there was less for sale I think the main reason there was less selling in the parking lot was simply that it was raining virtually all day Thursday and unloading was a serious problem/risk. There was a lot of merchandise potentially available, but all of the disappointed sellers and buyers were huddling under umbrellas wishing for suitable selling weather. eBay has certainly changed the market, there's no question about it, but these shows are still vastly superior to eBay since you can actually inspect the merchandise. Availability varies year by year but I still consider shows like Union to be infinitely superior to eBay. I buy very little on eBay, but I'm happy to buy at major shows where I can inspect the goods in person. Everyone has their own interests and perspective but I still think this year's show was a great one, and I'll be glad to fly out for the next one. It's well worth the time, trouble, and expense. Best regards, Rene Rondeau From sinatrafangold Thu Jun 17 01:15:07 2004 From: sinatrafangold (Phillip Sands) Date: Sun Dec 24 13:10:43 2006 Subject: [Phono-L] Union Disappointment In-Reply-To: 8a.d9d5003.2e028...@aol.com Message-ID: 20040617061511.13901.qm...@web52004.mail.yahoo.com There was a lot of merchandise potentially available, but all of the disappointed sellers and buyers were huddling under umbrellas wishing for suitable selling weather. I did find one guy who had a trailer full of junkers, Standards and Homes and Firesides that were missing parts and had cracked lids and no cranks, dusty and dirty. His prices were above retail for perfect machines, it was ridiculous. $450 for a filthy 2min Standard with missing lid veneer and no crank or belt? I don't think so You know who I mean, you were there.. - __ Do you Yahoo!? New and Improved Yahoo! Mail - Send 10MB messages! http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail
[Phono-L] Bill Ptacek
Bill's family has asked me to pass along the following information: - We will have a memorial service Thursday evening at 7p at Dahlstrom Funeral Home in Oakes, ND. The funeral will be at the country church we grew up across from, Our Saviours Lutheran Church, 10am Friday. We are in the process of setting up a scholarship fund in Bill's name. It will be the Wm. C. Ptacek Scholarship fund to support a student in Machining or Mechanical Engineering. It will be set up with the First State Bank, P.O. Box 49, Oakes, ND 58474-0049. Please pass this information along to anyone who may be interested. This is all very overwhelming. Bill handled so many things so well. It will be impossible to fill his shoes. - Best regards, Rene Rondeau From loran Tue Jul 6 10:54:12 2004 From: loran (Loran T. Hughes) Date: Sun Dec 24 13:10:46 2006 Subject: [Phono-L] Bill Ptacek In-Reply-To: 64.40ab6247.2e1c0...@aol.com References: 64.40ab6247.2e1c0...@aol.com Message-ID: 1089129253.2296.3.ca...@atlantis.localhost On Tue, 2004-07-06 at 07:18, taediso...@aol.com wrote: We are in the process of setting up a scholarship fund in Bill's name. It will be the Wm. C. Ptacek Scholarship fund to support a student in Machining or Mechanical Engineering. It will be set up with the First State Bank, P.O. Box 49, Oakes, ND 58474-0049. When the particulars on the scholarship fund are available, please post here. I'm sure more than a few of us will contribute. My sympathies and prayers to the Ptacek family. Regards, Loran
[Phono-L] wow! TAE on the front page of the SF Chronicle today!
In a message dated 7/14/04 5:33:05 AM Pacific Daylight Time, lhera...@bu.edu writes: What is needed now is to get these scientists an original tin foil recording -- I will be working with them on this. They are very interested in the idea and I've sent samples of modern recordings I've made on genuine tinfoil to use in experiments. My contacts at the Ford Museum are extremely interested in the idea, hoping to play their Sarah Bernhardt tinfoil sheet. This could very well lead to some interesting discoveries. Best regards, Rene Rondeau From AllenAmet Wed Jul 14 20:27:45 2004 From: AllenAmet (allena...@aol.com) Date: Sun Dec 24 13:10:47 2006 Subject: [Phono-L] wow! TAE on the front page of the SF Chronicle today! Message-ID: 1cd.25ca0828.2e273...@aol.com In a message dated 7/14/2004 8:44:12 PM Eastern Daylight Time, taediso...@aol.com writes: . My contacts at the Ford Museum are extremely interested in the idea, hoping to play their Sarah Bernhardt tinfoil sheet. This could very well lead to some interesting discoveries. * It will probably take some doing with the 1880 Sarah - she has been divided over the years. I believe there is also a Joseph Henry tinfoil at the Smithsonian. Allen www.phonobooks.com
[Phono-L] wow! TAE on the front page of the SF Chronicle today!
In a message dated 7/14/04 6:28:12 PM Pacific Daylight Time, allena...@aol.com writes: It will probably take some doing with the 1880 Sarah - she has been divided over the years. - The fact that it has been cut in half is relatively minor since the recording has to be digitally stitched together anyway to track from one groove to the next once it is in the flat. They don't consider that to be an important issue. What will be difficult, however, is working around all the other damage -- crushed grooves, crumbling foil, holes, etc. There is only one smal section on that sheet which is undamaged. I doubt that a really good transcription could ever be gotten from it, but at the very least it should be possible to hear if the voice on the foil is female and French-accented. But who knows, with enough effort it might be almost completely audible. It's definitely an exciting prospect. Best regards, Rene From AllenAmet Wed Jul 14 21:21:06 2004 From: AllenAmet (allena...@aol.com) Date: Sun Dec 24 13:10:47 2006 Subject: [Phono-L] wow! TAE on the front page of the SF Chronicle today! Message-ID: 1ed.254b58fd.2e274...@aol.com In a message dated 7/14/2004 9:58:54 PM Eastern Daylight Time, taediso...@aol.com writes: But who knows, with enough effort it might be almost completely audible. It's definitely an exciting prospect. Hi Rene, The Nov 1880 newspaper, if I recall, does mention what the contents are, in terms of what she sang and recited that night. That may help a bit. It would be great to have Sarah together again! Allen
[Phono-L] wow! TAE on the front page of the SF Chronicle today!
In a message dated 7/14/04 7:21:37 PM Pacific Daylight Time, allena...@aol.com writes: The Nov 1880 newspaper, if I recall, does mention what the contents are, in terms of what she sang and recited that night. That may help a bit. --- New York Herald, Monday, November 29, 1880: BERNHARDT AND EDISON. The Clever Actress Pays a Visit to the Wizard of Menlo Park -- Inspecting the Curiosities of the Laboratory [] Every now and again she made an effort to speak English to Mr. Edison, using the few words she knew with capital effect, winning hearts all round as she rattled on. The phonograph was the marvel of all. Mr. Edison spoke into it, one of his assistants spoke into it, and then they sang songs to it and whistled and chanted duets, which the instrument gave back again, to the intense amusement of all present. Mlle. Bernhardt then spoke into it, reciting passages from 'Phedre' and 'Hernani.' These the phonograph gave back as perfectly as it did the others, without a mistake of language or emphasis. Leaving the laboratory Mlle. Bernhardt declared that Edison was a sorcerer, and she knew he would do something one day that would astonish the world. This leaves open the interesting possibility that the sheet at the Ford Museum might contain Edison's voice in addition to Bernhardt's. The article doesn't indicate whether the foil was replaced on the mandrel between their recordings, but we do know that the record was made on a brass Bergmann Exhibition machine with 40 threads per inch, which can give a recording of 3-4 minutes in length depending upon cranking speed. Best regards, Rene Rondeau From AllenAmet Thu Jul 15 15:05:35 2004 From: AllenAmet (allena...@aol.com) Date: Sun Dec 24 13:10:47 2006 Subject: [Phono-L] wow! TAE on the front page of the SF Chronicle today! Message-ID: 8e.fc2b8bf.2e283...@aol.com In a message dated 7/15/2004 3:28:57 PM Eastern Daylight Time, taediso...@aol.com writes: This leaves open the interesting possibility that the sheet at the Ford Museum might contain Edison's voice in addition to Bernhardt's. Tom and Sarah at Menlo Park - yes, the first hit duet. She saw him as the Napoleon of Invention. What a tantalizing possibility! Did anyone bother to save that tinfoil recording made for the 50th anniversary - the recreated Mary Had a little Lamb? Allen
[Phono-L] wow! TAE on the front page of the SF Chronicle today!
In a message dated 7/15/04 1:06:39 PM Pacific Daylight Time, allena...@aol.com writes: Did anyone bother to save that tinfoil recording made for the 50th anniversary - the recreated Mary Had a little Lamb? Not as far as I know. It's definitely not at the Edison Site, but perhaps a VIP in attendance may have kept it as a souvenir. We may never know. Best regards, Rene From maffit2 Fri Jul 16 15:44:14 2004 From: maffit2 (Bob Maffit) Date: Sun Dec 24 13:10:47 2006 Subject: [Phono-L] disassembly questions Message-ID: 000d01c46b75$a25a5070$931b9...@maffit phono folks: Well I went to an auction last weekend that I mentioned in a previous post. I bought a Victor 8-35 x for $225.00 and am now trying to work on it. When I was loading the machine I noticed the pivot pin on the tone arm bracket was loose but didn't have any tools with me. I wrapped the tone arme and cast bracket up with a towel hoping that nothing would move and brake. Well, nothing broke, however The pivot pin is no ware to be foune. I have attempted to remove the tone arm and bracket to inspect and maybe locate the pivot pin. I have removed a few Orthorphonic tone arms before and also repaired some by replacing the reproduction cast bracket. I removed the 4 screws from the plate that fastens to the wood base and had hoped to just lift the assembly out to inspect. NO, not going to happen! It seems still quite secure and will not budge. Does the model have something I haven't run into by way of design? I did not remove the 2 screws that hold the cast part to the base plate as it has been my experience that feature only holds the two parts together. I hope that I have described my problem well enough. I already have chipped the cast part a bit and don't want to do any more damage. Suggestions, comments, recommendations? Thanks Bob From maffit2 Sun Jul 18 09:27:34 2004 From: maffit2 (Bob Maffit) Date: Sun Dec 24 13:10:47 2006 Subject: [Phono-L] Victor 8-35 x Message-ID: 000c01c46cd3$586156d0$931b9...@maffit Phono folks: As you may recall, I had posted a note to inquire about my Victor 8-35 x in terms of the tone arm. Well, I got it removed. It appears that the gasket that is between the tone arm and the throat of the horn was the culprit. I WDed it and then with a hair dryer heated the horn throat from the bottom under side and pried with a knife and it broke loose . Thanks Bob From CENFIN Sun Jul 18 09:48:46 2004 From: CENFIN (cen...@comcast.net) Date: Sun Dec 24 13:10:47 2006 Subject: [Phono-L] need antiques insurance contact Message-ID: 071520041914.6747.40f6d7b2000a651e1a5b2200750784b2b7b0b2b...@comcast.net I have a fine arts policy through State Farm. Its an all risk floater and covers my entire collection. My agent took photos of my high end items. and I update the listing every year. It not only covers phonographs but all mechancal music items as well as Art and vintage Tvs and radios. I highly recommend State Farm. Because I had a claim once, and they paid it without question. A shipper dropped a large Orchestrion doing $16,000 damage, and they denied that they did it. State farm paid me for the repairs and then went after the shipper. Al Menashe. -- Original message -- Phono folks: some time ago I saw a post that gave an insurance contact for a insurance agent/co. that one could use to get a rider to cover phonos. I would appreciate it if someone still has it, if they could send it to me as I am making changes to my residential insurance policy and want to make sure my phonos are covered. thanks in advance Bob ___ Phono-l mailing list phon...@oldcrank.com http://mail.oldcrank.com/mailman/listinfo/phono-l_oldcrank.com From Filerphono Sun Jul 18 14:58:38 2004 From: Filerphono (filerph...@aol.com) Date: Sun Dec 24 13:10:47 2006 Subject: [Phono-L] Edison Standard ICS Tag Needed + Dealer Tag Message-ID: 127.45d3fa78.2e2c3...@aol.com Hi, folks. I just picked up a real nice Edison Standard International Coorespondence School (ICS) machine. It is complete except it's missing the small celluoid tag that is on the front, along the bottom molding. The holes are there, but no tag. Any help would be appreciated. I also need a dealer tag for a Victrola that I have. The tag was a painted tag, and it appears somebody used a powerful solvent to clean things up and the solvent removed all of the paint on the tag. It is 5/8 x 2 long. Thanks for your help, and please reply to me off list, filerph...@aol.com. regards, Joe Filer From drgregc Sun Jul 18 17:18:52 2004 From: drgregc (Greg) Date: Sun Dec 24 13:10:47 2006 Subject: [Phono-L] In Praise Of Steve Farmer Message-ID: 035801c46d15$32fdef60$2f01a...@moonbasealpha Based on the recommendation of this list others, I sent my Victor R to Steve Farmer (Vintage Talking Machines) in Oceanside,
[Phono-L] Bettini reproducers
I was recently contacted by someone who was restoring a Bettini reproducer, and who needed information on the spider assembly which holds the stylus. I sent him detailed photos and specifications of an original I have, and he proceeded to make an amazingly nice-looking and accurate replica. I've uploaded a photo at http://members.aol.com/taedisonjr/spider.jpg. While he was at it, he used the remains of the original diaphagm to determine the correct specifications of both thickness and hardness of the aluminum. After sourcing metal foil that exactly matches the original, he made a die to cut diaphragms to size, including pre-cut holes for all the screws. Both spider and diaphragm are *very* impressive pieces of work. Anyone on the list who needs either of these important (and usually missing) parts can contact him directly: Lee Kirk, email lek...@inreach.com, or call 559-561-8800. (Note: this is an unsolicitied testimonial and I have no connection with Mr. Kirk other than having supplied information to him. However I am extremely impressed with what he has done and I think there could be some fellow collectors who would be happy to get such fine reproduction parts.) Best regards, Rene Rondeau From AllenAmet Sat Jan 10 18:48:41 2004 From: AllenAmet (allena...@aol.com) Date: Sun Dec 24 13:10:30 2006 Subject: [Phono-L] Bettini reproducers Message-ID: 3e.39dafa2b.2d31f...@aol.com In a message dated 1/10/2004 6:26:09 PM Eastern Standard Time, taediso...@aol.com writes: I was recently contacted by someone who was restoring a Bettini reproducer, and who needed information on the spider assembly which holds the stylus. I sent him detailed photos and specifications of an original I have, and he proceeded to make an amazingly nice-looking and accurate replica. I've uploaded a photo at http://members.aol.com/taedisonjr/spider.jpg. * They look fine to me too - I think that a stylus still must be inserted however. For thos interested, we still have several of the Bettini equipment (facsimile) catalogs available (36 pages plus cover). Allen www.phonobooks.com
[Phono-L] Bettini reproducers
In a message dated 1/10/04 4:49:17 PM Pacific Standard Time, allena...@aol.com writes: For thos interested, we still have several of the Bettini equipment (facsimile) catalogs available (36 pages plus cover). -- As my second unsolicited testimonial of the day, I can report that Allen's reprint is stunning. Everyone should have a copy, whether you have a Bettini already or are only hoping to get one someday. Best regards, Rene Rondeau From steve_noreen Sun Jan 11 11:59:31 2004 From: steve_noreen (Steven Medved) Date: Sun Dec 24 13:10:30 2006 Subject: [Phono-L] Mobley Message-ID: bay4-dav36d69l9xwi600024...@hotmail.com Hi, Does anyone have any information on Mobley who made and patented improvements to the Edison Automatic reproducer? Thanks, Steve From honestgerald Sun Jan 11 22:20:51 2004 From: honestgerald (Jerry DeeDee Blais) Date: Sun Dec 24 13:10:30 2006 Subject: [Phono-L] Sounds of Nostalgia Message-ID: 3.0.5.32.20040111201656.0085b...@proaxis.com Hello Phononuts, 2/15/04 is the date of the annual Sounds of Nostalia phonograph and radio flea market in Salem, Oregon. The flea market is a one day sale and runs from 9:30 to 3:30 at the state fairgrounds in Salem. Tables are available by contacting Karen Huston (503-769-8042 or P.O. Box 20805 / Salem, Oregon 97307-0805) and the cost is quite reasonable ($20 per table or so). In years past, there has be a set-up time on Saturday afternoon. I am told that this is not available this year. I have attended this sale since 1975 and have always had a great time. DeeDee and I will host an open house on Saturday afternoon from 2 to 5 for fellow collectors and friends. If there are any questions, please contact me off list or call 541-926-2843 evenings or 541-974-2836 days.
[Phono-L] Re: EDISON SCHOOL HOUSE
In a message dated 1/20/04 11:55:10 AM Pacific Standard Time, clockworkh...@aol.com writes: The reason I am writing is to see if you would post the serial numbers you have. --- I've been tracking these for several years. Here is a list of every number I've been able to find: Serial #Horn typeStand 157010Y 231611Y 2354noneN 246411Y 2704? ? (Ford Museum) 314310Y 3151? N 335110Y 335311repro 3362reprorepro 337410Y 3383noneN (Edison Site) 338411Y 340011Y 3412woodenN 341611Y 3343? ? 349110Y 350411repro 350810Y 351310Y 351610Y 351711Y 352510Y 353410N 3552noneN 355510Y Best regards, Ren? Rondeau From billmorr Tue Jan 20 18:27:38 2004 From: billmorr (Bill Morris) Date: Sun Dec 24 13:10:31 2006 Subject: [Phono-L] Edison Late Opera Questions Message-ID: 01c3df83.0b274a60.billm...@core.com Yes, they are there and appear to be working okay. The springs damp out any vibration between the mandrel and the rest of the mechanism. Bill -Original Message- From: Ron L'Herault [SMTP:lhera...@bu.edu] Sent: Tuesday, January 20, 2004 8:46 AM To: billm...@core.com; Antique phonograph discussion list for pre-1930 phonographs Subject:RE: [Phono-L] Edison Late Opera Questions Does this machine have the springs on the mandrel to reduce shock/vibration? Are they in the right position? Ron L -Original Message- From: phono-l-boun...@oldcrank.com [mailto:phono-l-boun...@oldcrank.com]on Behalf Of Bill Morris Sent: Monday, January 19, 2004 11:22 PM To: phon...@oldcrank.com Subject: [Phono-L] Edison Late Opera Questions Hi, everyone, I have a late Edison Concert (Opera 4m) with Music Master horn. The mechanism is quite noisy and I have traced it to the relationship between the governor worm and the gear that drives the governor. There is a lot of play which causes a rattle when the cylinder begins to turn. Is there any way to decrease the lash between the worm and gear? I thought that maybe the bearing pins would be mounted on an eccentric for adjustment but this is not the case on my machine. There is no wear in the pins and the governer shaft has no side play in it. Does anyone reproduce the brass gear? Can someone tell me what should be the diameter of the worm so I can verify that I have the correct one? Thanks very much in advance. Bill Morris ___ Phono-l mailing list phon...@oldcrank.com http://t2.cwihosting.com/mailman/listinfo/phono-l_oldcrank.com
[Phono-L] Unusual Zonophone
From one of those generic we-sell-everything eBay auction houses, I found the following Zonophone, which seems unusual to me in that it does not appear to be a Grand Opera (at least as I've become familiar with that model), yet it has the glass side panel. Does anyone know what this is? This is the early version of the Concert Grand, with two glass sides like the Zonophone Model A. Here's my webpage about this interesting machine: _http://members.aol.com/rondeau7/zono.htm_ (http://members.aol.com/rondeau7/zono.htm) Best regards, Rene Rondeau
[Phono-L] Unusual Zonophone
In a message dated 10/1/2006 9:10:44 A.M. Pacific Standard Time, mark.albert...@comcast.net writes: This is a Zonophone Model A... = Oops, I was too quick to judge, Mark is right. This is an A, not a Concert Grand. The cases are similar but the Concert Grand has a larger base and a larger turntable. Mea culpa! Best regards, Rene Rondeau
[Phono-L] Near Miss
In a message dated 10/14/2006 8:21:57 P.M. Pacific Standard Time, aph4...@aol.com writes: Waves is still a fun place to visit. Great looking radios. Even some cylinders. Yes, an interesting store. I bought a Teddy Roosevelt Blue Amberol there several years ago for a bargain price, at least relatively speaking Best regards, Rene Rondeau
[Phono-L] Great video on YouTube
Although in theory the alloy of the nickel coin is the same, in practice there is certainly a difference in hardness between early coins and modern ones. If you pull a 40 year-old nickel out of pocket change, which is easy to find, it's still thick. When I pulled 40 year-old Buffalo nickels out of pocket change in the 60s they were usually so worn that there was hardly any detail left. In looking at lots of old coins over the years (I was a coin collector once upon a time) pre-Jefferson nickels are almost always found in extremely worn condition. This is not something new. I have a 1936 slot machine on which the original payout card indicates a range for each winning combination -- 4 to 6, 12 to 14 etc. This is because the payout tube is designed to release coins within a pre-determined height of those stacked in the tube. If it's filled with thick, new nickels a smaller number will fit in the same space. The same height of well-worn nickels will have one or two extra coins. The early coin-ops were pretty unsophisticated. Anything with weight could release the start mechanism, which is why slugs were such a problem. Some could easily be tripped by a coin attached to a wire -- insert the coin, trip the mech, and pull the coin back out. Some very clever, if crude, mechanisms were designed to prevent fraud. If you look at the 'Manhattan' at the end of the video you'll see the coin rolls down a ramp and jumps through the air, landing in a cup that then directs it down to trip the mechanism. That air gap was a slug rejector; there's a small magnet at the base of the ramp that will deflect a steel slug and cause it to drop short. Only a penny has the right overall weight to cross the gap and fall in the cup. The ramp itself as an open back, with a wire along the top. It also slants slightly. Any undersize slug would fall right through the open back. On my Berliner coin-op the coin entry has a levered piece inside that closes the slot before opening the bottom to let the coin drop. This prevents the wire trick -- if the slot can't close up because there's a wire in it, the bottom won't open enough for the coin to pass through to the trip lever. There's also a spring-loaded rod to keep the turntable from being rotated backwards to wind up the machine. Crude stuff but remarkably ingenious for the time. All that said, I use period coins with all my machines simply because it seems most appropriate. A Lincoln penny will run the Manhattan with no problem but somehow it just seems wrong I'm extremely detail-oriented! Regarding the video itself, this aired on the local NBC affiliate channel in San Francisco on 9/6/01. The reporter does technology reports, this was a bit of a digression to look at some old technology instead of her usual focus on computers. They spent about four hours filming and cut it down to the 2 minutes you see on screen. They did a good job overall, despite the egregious errors as noted by Andy Baron. But I've had far worse reporters. I wince at some of the ways I've been misquoted or misunderstood over the years. It goes all the way back to the 1963 newspaper article on my site. I've had enough experience with the press in my business life to not worry about it anymore. I just assume they'll get things wrong, and hope they at least get the important points right! (I have stories I could tell) Best regards, Rene Rondeau
[Phono-L] Shipping charges -- a new pricing scheme
Very common, I'm afraid. This has been going on for quite a while. I just saw one the other day for an inexpensive record. Granted, safely shipping a 78 does require some good packaging and there is some cost involved. But what got me was that the seller had a big, red, bold notice that multiple auctions may NOT be combined for shipping... Most dealers will happily combine several items to pack in one box and save shipping. Obviously this seller sees shipping as a profit center and wasn't about to give any of that away. Best regards, Rene Rondeau In a message dated 11/26/2006 4:22:03 P.M. Pacific Standard Time, msprin...@juno.com writes: In the past few months I've noticed that sellers on eBay have been charging inflated shipping charges -- often $10-$15 more than the actual shipping charges, when the real shipping charges are only a few dollars. At first I thought these were just handling charges to pay people for their materials and trouble, but now I realize that this is a way for sellers to get more for their item without having to pay the percentage to eBay the seller would have to pay if this was part of the bid. Anyone else experiencing this? It's getting me annoyed...
[Phono-L] Edison short drop octagonal clock
In a message dated 3/3/2006 5:14:32 A.M. Pacific Standard Time, cranke...@comcast.net writes: Being a clock collector also, I thought this was rather neat. It will be interesting to see where this goes. Without the Edison dial, this clock is only worth $200-300. There have been a few of these on eBay, and also similar ones with a Victor logo. They're absolute, total fakes. I suspect the seller knows it and that is why he is running it as a private auction, so no one can warn his victims. Best regards, Rene Rondeau
[Phono-L] Very Fishy !!!! Edison Suitcase home scam
In a message dated 7/10/2006 11:28:16 A.M. Pacific Standard Time, plav...@gmail.com writes: How does one alert EBAY about scams (I tried to find out but ebay seems not to want to know as I cannot follow their logic?) They have actually simplified this process recently. If you look at the bottom of the listing you'll see a link Report this Item. Click that and follow the instructions and you can send an email. I've already sent a report on this one but it doesn't hurt if many people report it, they may act more quickly. Best regards, Rene Rondeau
[Phono-L] Very Fishy !!!! Edison Suitcase home scam
In a message dated 7/10/2006 12:36:01 P.M. Pacific Standard Time, bosomm...@adelphia.net writes: This has become a common practice on eBay. Alas, this is all too true. Some people may have noticed last week when a scammer listed an Edison Kinetoscope -- 10 times. All the writeups and pictures were identical but there were three different seller names. Plus, the description said No bids, email for Buy It Now price and terms. Of course he wanted Western Union... I did a search for the scammer's text in the description and found that he was using Turbolister to upload over 20 fake auctions A MINUTE! He was mainly selling modern LCD projectors, apparently he just didn't realize that an Edison projector was not the same thing and that multiple listings of such an item would be sure to catch attention. I sent over fifty reports to eBay, they did finally act but they were taking auctions down slower than the scammer was putting up new ones. In the end he listed over 3,000 fake auctions using dozens of hijacked accounts. Eventually eBay prevailed but you can be sure out of all those listings he snared a few suckers. Best regards, Rene Rondeau
[Phono-L] Stormy Weather on Jubilee (was Let Us Not Forget)
In a message dated 1/23/2006 4:40:40 PM Pacific Standard Time, diamondisk...@aol.com writes: Wasn't the auction canceled for some reason? - eBay shut the auction down because Nauck had put a link to his website in the listing, and that's a big eBay no-no He relisted it but for whatever reason the previous bidders never came back and it simply died a slow death. Best regards, Rene Rondeau
[Phono-L] Frick's Freak Alert...
In a message dated 2/2/2006 3:22:47 PM Pacific Standard Time, clockworkh...@aol.com writes: The current seller on eBay is honest in calling the horn a reproduction but I have seen a couple of these freaks go for decent money when the neophyte bidders were led to believe the horns were original to the 1905 period. To view the current Frick's Freak on eBay search for item #6601188736. I'm going to need to dig through my bookshelves tonight, somewhere I know I still have one of Frick's catalogs from the 1960s. It would be interesting to look at it again. I have a horn exactly like the one on eBay, only painted maroon and with no stripes. It's a hideous little thing that came on a Columbia B I bought years back. I wondered what in the heck it could be frin, it didn't look like any phonograph horn I'd ever seen and it was quite obviously not old! I threw it in the garage and it's collected dust ever since. However Frick certainly did have some very fine machines in his collection! Best regards, Rene Rondeau
[Phono-L] Idelia SOLD
Speaking of Idelias, I saw a singularly interesting one this week. The reproducer was wrong (not oxydized), the horn was wrong (14 black with brass bell), the crank was wrong (some bizarre brass fabrication) but the case and bedplate finishes were original and in good condition, if covered with massive amounts of dust. What made my heart start pumping was that the usual Edison trademark signature plate on the bedplate was missing, replaced with an elegantly engraved oxyidised-finish plate saying Presented to William H. Taft from Thomas A. Edison. I regret that I didn't have a camera with me to photograph it. I wish I could get my mitts on that one!! As for the auction, there are (as Ray Wilenzik noted) well over 50 known. Most are probably restored, Guido's included. But, like Class Ms, of which there must be at least 100 in existence, they so rarely change hands that they get premium prices when they do sell. Guido's was a gorgeous restoration, the repeating attachment was a lovely addition, and the presumably original-finish mahogany-painted metal horn was a nice touch. I felt it was probably worth the $25K reserve, I never expected it to go more than $1K-$2K more than that. But obviously there were at least 3 bidders who felt it was worth a lot more than that. That's what the free market is all about. If you really, really, REALLY want something, and it comes up for sale very infrequently, you have hard decisions to make. As for me, I have never regretted overpaying for any phonograph I own. Eventually the price always seems to surpass what I paid, and in the interim I've had the enjoyment of owning it and admiring it. I know of a few people who passed up the Idelia I own today because it was too expensive. And they were right, it was. But I've never regretted buying it, though it was a hell of a lot cheaper than $41K. And if someone offered me $41K tomorrow, I wouldn't sell it. I'd rather have the machine than the money, at least at this point in my life. Talk to me in 20 years and I may feel differently. But it's precisely this kind of long-term ownership that makes such machines so expensive when they do turn up. (I'm only the third owner of my Idelia, in 98 years. Obviously this hasn't been bandied around the collector circuit!) Best regards, Rene Rondeau
[Phono-L] CAPS Show Sale
I've been attending for quite a few years and I felt this was one of the best. Lots of old friends and lots of old phonographs. The banquet on Saturday night was the biggest ever, with well over 100 people attending. Robin and Joan Rolfs came in from Wisconsin and gave a very amusing presentation on phonograph dolls and toys, and Nipper. In fact, their presentation intrigued me so much that when I stumbled upon a combination 'Ragtime Rastus' and 'the Boxers' phonograph toy in the original box early Sunday morning I immediately bought it. I blamed them for provoking me to spend money I hadn't planned on! But that's one of the things that makes these shows so much fun. You never know what small (or large) treasures may turn up, and it's always a treat to learn new things. All it all it was well worth the long drive and I'm already looking forward to next year. Best regards, Rene Rondeau
[Phono-L] Destruction of San Francisco
I received the following forwarded email, I think this could be of interest of all record collectors: === I got so many emails that I had to remove myself from the 78 list, but I am hoping that you might post for me that I will be on tomorrow (Wednesday) morning on NPR's Morning Edition with the recording of The Destruction of San Francisco and I used information that contributors offered from the list serve/chat board. best regards, Jeffrey Weissman 707 7632945 _http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0919299_ (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0919299) _http://people.tribe.net/jeffreyweissman_ (http://people.tribe.net/jeffreyweissman) _http://www.jeffreyweissman.com_ (http://www.jeffreyweissman.com/) Best regards, Rene Rondeau
