I agree with all of you. One must be careful in not only collecting
phonographs, but collecting anything in general. This is especially true for
the
first timer that wants to jump into 'collecting.' I read an email from someone
in
this thread not long ago that used the adjective 'sleazy' to describe antique
dealers. I would just like to say that not all antique dealers, just like
car salesman and politicians, are dishonest. In fact, I have obtained some of
my most prized antiques, including a phonograph or two from antique dealers.
We must understand that there are many people that do not take the time to
research a subject before heading into it head over heals. This includes both
the
seller as well as the buyer.
An example of this was last summer when I attended a large estate auction in
my area. The auctioneer advertised in the newspaper ad a nice vintage 'old'
Victrola with a real nice 'old' horn. I tried to contact the auctioneer
beforehand to ask some specifics so that I could find out if it was indeed a
nice
old phonograph. I could not reach him before the auction and was late getting
to the sale the next day. By the time I got there, the phonograph was only
moments from hitting the selling block. The nice vintage 'old' Victrola with a
real nice 'old' horn turned out to be a nice old 'CRAPOLA'! As my six year old
would say...YUCK!
Before I could react, the auctioneer had already described it as the most
beautiful Victrola that he had ever had the pleasure of auctioning off and that
whoever was fortunate enough to win the bid would really have a prize! The
crowd oooed and aawwed as if he were auctioning off the Hope Diamond. As soon
as
he started the bidding at $100.00, several hands flung toward the skies. I
told the man next to me, that had his fingers brushing his mustache in mad
anticipation of bidding, that this was a reproduction item and that is was a
reproduction of the worst kind. I explained to him what a Crapola is and he
said
that I did not know what I was talking about as this was just like his great
grandmother's wonderful Victrola. Yea, I know, a Victrola with a horn!!
Anyway, I stood in total disbelief as the Crapola sold for over $1000.00!!!
After the auction, I shared some lessons of learning (Phonograph 101) with
the auctioneer. He did not want to hear it! He said that although he did not
know that the item was not genuine, it was the buyers responsibility to know
what he was bidding on. I could tell that the auctioneer really did not care
as
he only wanted the money. The buyer left with big smiles and could not wait
to show off his new prized possession. He left in such a hurry that I could
not get to him to share a little insight. Maybe it was a blessing as the smile
and happiness that he showed of owning this 'prized' item was a true Kodak
moment.
Junk is out there. It always has and always will be. Unless one knows any
better, junk will still sell. Some folks, like the auctioneer may not know any
better, but as in the example, they sure don't care about learning. It's a
buy at your own risk market!
My hats off to anyone that tries to keep one from getting burned. Thanks to
the individual in this group for taking the time to write the ebay seller as
an effort to get the facts straight. As true lovers of these things called
phonographs, and the fantastic joy that this hobby of collecting brings, it is
our responsibility keep the hobby as honest and wholesome as possible. It
begins with each individual.
I continue to promote the hobby so that there will be collectors out there
when we are gone. I am grateful that my daughters love the hobby and have
already picked out which phonographs they want to put in their homes. In fact,
they have names for each machine. My youngest daughter's favorite is the
Victor
0 and she named it 'Sunny' when she was small.
I have had the fortunes of meeting many nice people along the way that have
not only sold me some nice pieces, but have educated me along the way. I hope
to be a mentor as well.
Don't get me wrong, I have also found those that are really in this hobby
strictly for the money and will do some 'minor' under the table things to make
a
profit. If one stays in the hobby long enough, they learn about these
individuals fast. News travels through the clubs! This is such a small profit
for
such a large price to pay.
Hey, as we say here in South Carolina...Y'all are a great bunch! Thanks for
all of the information ya'll bring to the hobby. Keep 'er running at
78rpms that is!
Brantley /HTML
From rich-m...@octoxol.com Wed Mar 12 11:29:17 2008
From: rich-m...@octoxol.com (Rich)
Date: Wed Mar 12 11:30:38 2008
Subject: [Phono-L] Franken-Crapophone
In-Reply-To: bay123-dav106de15d3979ee9f376d7eaa...@phx.gbl
References:
20080311230543.vazzn9q144kwk...@webmail.localnet.com003501c88428$8e08d180$6401a...@user52c8f93503
