Collectibles -> Radio, Phonograph, TV, Phone Collectibles

Gramophones are a truly unique collectible and when they are in good condition, they offer not only enhanced value, but you may actually be able to use it. When you are shopping for a gramophone, there are a few things that you need to be aware of before putting your money down. Reproductions are a big business and it is always disappointing to find out that the antique you paid so much money for is actually a fake. Here are some tips to help you avoid that experience.

1. Does the gramophone actually work?
A working gramophone is worth more than one that is no longer functioning. However, you can find a great deal on a broken model that just needs a little TLC. If possible, ask the seller to let you listen to the gramophone if it is in working order. The quality of the tone should tell you a lot about the age of the item and whether or not it is a reproduction. Older models usually have a distinctive “old” sound just cannot be duplicated.

2. Will the seller allow you to look inside?
While you may be able to duplicate the exterior look of a gramophone, it is much easier to replicate the innards. Take a look inside and see how new the parts work. Granted, if it has been completely restored the parts will look very clean, but you should be able to tell if they are at least original. Ask the seller how much work has been done on the gramophone and then compare their response with what you find inside.

3. Do they have any recordings that will go with the gramophone?
This adds to the value of the item, especially if the recordings are in good shape. You can also learn a lot about the history of the gramophone if the original recordings come with it. Finding these can be difficult, but many times, especially with private collections, the old recordings will go with the machine. Try to find a gramophone that has at least one original recording that will come with it.

4. Is the case cracked?
This can make a big difference in the sound and how well the gramophone will work. It is best to try to find one that is in good condition, unless you have experience in restoring these machines. Trying to find someone that does can also be difficult, so if you are inexperienced, stick with the models that are still in good working order and cosmetically sound.

5. What material is the horn made out of?
Old gramophone are actually quite heavy, due to the fact that the metal horns were made of brass, or other heavy metals. A light gramophone may be an indication that either the item is not authentic, or the horn was replaced with inferior materials.

Gramophones are a delightful collectible, and can provide hours of amusement. It is best however to make sure that you are getting an authentic model, especially if you would like to be able to resell it someday.

Originally posted 2008-08-16 05:00:52. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Memorabilia -> Music Memorabilia -> Rock, Pop-> The Beatles

Out of all of the rock groups that rose to prominence in the 1960’s, none took the world by storm quite like The Beatles and since then, Beatles memorabilia has been a hot commodity. There are fans that have built up incredible collections throughout the years and when something does come up for auction, the reaction is usually incredible. If you are just getting into collecting Beatles memorabilia, there are quite a few different things that you can collect.

First, there are the limited edition LP’s, or the rare ones that still have all of their original covers and artwork. These are a rare piece of Beatles memorabilia that are still affordable for most collectors. If you do find an LP, it’s best to keep it safe and not to play it, since it can reduce the overall value. Look for an LP that is not scratched if at possible, and ideally, it would have never been used. The cover should be easy to read and in very good shape as well. If you can find this kind of Beatles memorabilia, you’re really in for a treat.

Next up, you can find Beatles memorabilia in the form of rare recording, both audio and video. These are a lot of fun to collect and many people have found that their private selection of audio tapes or even old videos are worth quite a bit of money. From pieces that were actually filmed by fans to old studio copies that are worth a mint, this is a great type of Beatles memorabilia that is very popular.

The 1960’s also brought in the advent of merchandising and Beatles memorabilia is no stranger to this. You can find literally thousands of different types of merchandising collectibles, from lunch boxes, to maps, posters, thermoses and everything else under the sun. These are generally worth less money that the usual audios or LP’s, but every once in awhile you can come across a great find. Look for merchandising collectibles that are either still in their original packaging, or those that are in very good shape.

Last but not least, autographs and photos are probably the most popular and valuable type of Beatles memorabilia. If you are just interested in getting an autograph for your own personal collection, they are not that hard to maintain and some may not be that expensive. However, for the true collector, it can take years to find the right Beatles memorabilia and autographs, especially if you are trying to build up a collection of all four, or even one that may include the legendary “fifth Beatle.”

The Beatles touched the hearts and minds of many generations and there are few groups that could lay claim to such a worldwide phenomenon. Whether you were a fan back then, or you’ve become a fan now, collecting Beatles memorabilia is a great way to express that appreciation of a group that changed the face of the music industry as we knew it.

Originally posted 2008-08-30 14:00:04. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Antiques -> Decorative Arts -> Figurines

One of the most popular forms of antique collectibles are antique dolls and there are some that can bring in an astonishing amount of money. Whether you have an old collection of vintage dolls, or you are trying to find one to complete your collection, there are several collector’s items that can be worth a lot of money. Here’s a quick guide to the most valuable antique dolls that are currently on the market and widely available to collectors.

Madame Alexander Dolls

These are incredibly popular antique dolls and many of them are worth a great deal of money. If you can find older editions that are in good shape, you can end up with quite a good investment. These dolls are among the most ornate and can fetch five figures or more at auction. Look for dolls that are hand painted and still have their original outfits in good shape. They will be the ones that will have the highest values.

Barbie Dolls

America’s love affair with Barbie has been going on for decades, and these dolls remain some of the most popular on the market. While the new ones produced every year have some value, especially the collectible editions, it is the antique dolls that will have the highest sale prices. One of the best places to find a huge amount of Barbie dolls are online auction sites. However, you can come across a rare find at a garage sale, if you keep your eyes open.

Raggedy Ann Dolls

Who would think as simple rag doll could be valuable? Antique dolls of Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy are actually worth a pretty penny and they are incredibly hard to find. If you have an old doll sitting up in the attic, it may be time to dust it off and get it appraised. Originals are highly sought after and collectors will pay a great deal of money to get their hands on one.

Limited Edition Dolls

There are many companies that put out dolls many years ago, and although they may not have the prominence of Madame Alexandar dolls, many of these antique dolls are worth a lot of money today. If you come across a porcelain doll that is more than fifty years old and in great shape, you may want to get it appraised. You never know, you may just have a gold mine on your hands.

Antique dolls are a great collectible and it is fun to get children interested in them. Keep in mind however that valuable dolls don’t belong in their little hands, since it is all too easy to break them. If you do decide to display them in your home and you have young children, it is best to lock them up so that they are not harmed. Children may not mean to break things, but it can be devastating to lose a valuable doll. It is simply easier to do all that you can to protect them.

Photo Credits: gailf548

Originally posted 2008-09-29 05:35:17. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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