Featured Edison Phonograph

I acquired this piece at auction yesterday. I probably crossed the bounds of my better judgment, as well as the amount that I intended to spend, when I nodded at $500, much to the other bidder's chagrin. The phonograph plays both two and four minute cylinders and also came with about 100 of these cylinders. I would say that it plays wonderfully but my scratched up 78's sound much nicer. With that in mind, I will say that it plays as intended.

I have conducted some preliminary research but always appreciate the insight of our resident experts. While I love the piece, there is always that inquisitive side that wonders....did I spend too much?!

 

Here's the closest one I could find:
http://www.phonophan.com/cygnethomeright.jpg

Their trying to sell it for $1550, it appears to be the same model but made a year later than yours. If this is a reasonable price you did well.

 

Thanks Josh and I figured the 100 cylinders are probably worth a couple hundred bucks!




I love the look (not so much the sound).

 

I think you did well. Here are completed sales on ebay for Edison Cygnet phonographs. Seems the going rate is over $1000.00. Heck, people will pay $400.00 for the horn alone. The going rate on cylinders is about $5.00 each when purchased individually, with some titles selling for a lot more.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odk...kw=edison+cygnet+cylinder+phonograph&_sacat=0

 

It's lovely & Brad is right about the horn.....

 

Thanks Brad. If I recall correctly, you are also in Central Illinois. I am just thankful that I haven't seen you at some of the same local auctions!

 

You may have Actually, don't go to many auctions any more. I buy and sell mostly what I consider to be junk these days and can source it other places than auctions. It is not worth it to go and wait hours for something only to be out bid.

 

I certainly understand. I don't sell a whole heck of a lot but enjoy the research, hunt, and the story behind a good piece!

 

Notice the phonograph is sitting on the end table that I thought looked nice and appeared well made but as you previously pointed out, is not as old as I first thought!

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Edison-4-Mi...rd-3275-OVER-THERE-BILLY-MURRAY-/272633086637

 

Wow! I guess that I have some more research ahead of me on these cylinders.... thanks, kronos.

 

Edison blue Amberol cylinders with numbers over 5000 cylinders, and Cylinders by opera singers, historical speeches, can be worth up to $500.

 

I saw that on a website but was confused when I looked to value 23003 which is not worth a whole lot.

 

We have a Teddy Roosevelt cylinder. I love it because it's a great thing for the kids to hear a voice from the past.

So on those cylinders, holiday songs also command higher dollars. But they are only good if they are usable. Pull each out and see if the inside of the cylinder is cracked or broken. If it is, it's basically trash. Using heavily damaged cylinders can damage the equipment. Do that first and then research the balance of the ones that are in good condition. Cracks in the outside finish are also dead and can't be used. Scratches aren't great but not a death knoll. Condition and what the piece is is everything.

If you find "The Mother In Law song...please contact me immediately. LOL Not particularly valuable but my husbands favorite piece and ours is wearing out.

 

There MUST be someone out there somewhere who would make a repro "MIL" song on cylinder for you, Dawn!!!!

 

@Danno, what an AWESOME looking Edison Phonograph!!!!!!

 

Good news, bad news there. All but one appear to be in good shape. Nothing real exciting on value though and unfortunately, no MIL song.

 

Thanks Aqui! It highlights one of the rooms in the basement and hopefully can be kept a safe distance from the grand kids!

 

LOL I know of a place that can take a song and reproduce it for a cylinder but they use a recording and ours is so worn it would come out even worse than it does...that said it's the funniest song...a man plotting his mother in laws demise via removing the brakes from her car, accidently slipping with a knife....house on fire (after he removes his possessions) and the chorus is beyond funny. Perhaps I should get a local band to record it That would be a great fathers day gift from my mom.

Ok and Danno....do you know how to adjust the volume on your piece? A nerf baseball gently placed in the horn (you don't want to pull or push it in or you will get the horn off balance) cuts it in half.

As to sound quality...Perhaps wine is involved (often the case) but we find lighting the candles in the parlor and playing the phonograph or gramophone (we have a little collection) is especially charming (with port) after a party when just our best friends linger. It takes us back to what our original builder would have been doing after a dinner with friends.

 

Superb.....I am very jellos.... $500 seems a real bargain..