Well, as a fatter of mact, I read the book about Eldredge Johnson, by his son. I seem to recall that he didn't have a Victrola in his home! He certainly WOULD think that we're nuts.
> [Original Message] > From: <Kuglarb at wmconnect.com> > To: <phono-l at oldcrank.org> > Date: 8/14/2008 8:06:51 PM > Subject: [Phono-L] Collectibles - How's That For Originality? > > Doug - You make a great point! Just think, we collectors are enjoying items > that have long outlived their shelf life. It amazes me that when I attend > phonograph shows, people just staring out collecting phonographs, or even the > most avid collectors, want machines that are pristine, have all the original > parts, and obtain all of the manuals and directions that first came with them. My > question to them is, "Would you like the original crate that the machine came > with also. If you do, I have several in the back?" > > I am one for originality, but let's all understand one thing. The pristine > Victor VIs, with all of the original parts, that came out of the old lady's > attic are long, long gone. Anyone looking for such an item, a phonograph in > particular, is in for a rude awakening if they think that every phonograph that > they have in their collection is 100% original. One or two may be, but for the > masses, the cranks, horns, the governor weights, turn table felt, reproducer > gaskets, etc., are most likely replacements of some sort. I agree, some of the > replacements may be original parts such as the horn or the cranks, but keep > in mind, most ARE NOT original to THAT machine. The only person that can > honestly say that a machine is 100% original is the one that bought it. Sadly, > these people have more than likely passed away by now. > > Just think, each machine that we buy has changed hands many, many times. I'm > sorry, but I don't fall for that machine on ebay that is being sold by the > great, great grand daughter to the grandfather that purchased the phonograph in > down town New York on St. Patrick's Day in 1909. In most cases, it just don't > happen that way. > > I am approached by sellers wanting to sell me machines that were sold to them > by collectors that I knew and passed up buying that same machine from them > months ago. The new seller wants $1000.00 more for it than when I could have > bought it from the first seller. With the exception of the machines located in > well protected and guarded collections, most machines are bought and sold and > bounced from one person to the next. I see it often. In fact, I was at a > show a couple of years ago and there was a gentleman there with a Victor VI. In > looking at the machine, I realized that it was the same one that I watched on > ebay just two weeks before. The only difference is that the buyer bought it > on ebay for $3500.00 (No horn). His sale price at the show was $5500.00 (With > worn out horn). It did not surprise me to see this gentleman take this > machine home with him because several people at the show saw the item on ebay and > declined as well. > > I spoke with a reputable phonograph repairman the other day by phone. He > said that he would never have a reproduction crank, reproduction horn, or any > other reproduction part for a machine in his collection. Keep in mind that this > repairman also sells and pushes reproduction parts! My response to him was > that some of the reproduction cranks (slotted especially because originals are > difficult to find), horns (wood ones especially), and other reproduction parts > look fantastic on a phonograph. I have seen some phonographs with original > horns that were so bad with rust and holes that one could read a newspaper > through it. Let's face it, a 1956 T-Bird for sale at a Barrett-Jackson's auction > most likely does not have the original tires, original battery, or original > head lights. Some things do just wear out, don't you know. > > On the positive note, all of these machines still provide us collectors with > much fun, and the opportunity to sport or show off a piece to anyone that may > be interested. Not all of public USA is even interested in phonographs. It > never ceases to amaze me that when we have friends over, many never even > acknowledge my Victor V with the oak spear tip horn. I often say to my wife that > the reason why is that they just saw one at Wal-Mart! > > One thing is for sure, phonographs are not only great collectibles, but great > pieces of history. Besides the fun in collecting, I have enjoyed the many > friends that I have met along the way. > > I can imagine having the opportunity to speak with Mr. Eldridge himself and > ask him what he thinks of his products still being enjoyed and collected after > all of these 100 and some years. His response would most like be...."Your are > kidding, right." > > Thanks much and may God bless! > > Brantley > South Carolina </HTML> > _______________________________________________ > Phono-L mailing list > http://phono-l.oldcrank.org
