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
Related Posts -
Crystal Chandelier Collectibles -> Lamps, Lighting -> Ceiling Fixtures The crystal chandelier got its start in the 1600s in England, when the use of lead glass became common and even popular. Originally used in medieval abbeys and churches to light up the cavernous rooms, the chandelier started out as a wooden cross...... -
Setting a Wine Budget When it comes to collecting wine, collecting wine bottles, or really any other type of collection for that matter, one of the first things that you are going to want to have figured out is your budget. Step one in the process of collecting wine is to set your wine...... -
Personalized Shot Glasses Collectibles -> Barware -> Shot Glasses For the person who has everything, personalized gifts can be some of the most thoughtful, so why not choose personalized shot glasses? There are many advantages to this type of collectible item, both as a gift, and as something you collect yourself. Personalized shot...... -
Antique Car Parts Collectibles -> Transportation -> Automobilia For car lovers, one of the best collectibles you can find are antique car parts. These unique items come in nearly every shape and size, and the ones that are particularly valuable are the ones from car makers that are no longer in business. There...... -
45 Records Collectables -> Radio, Phonograph, TV, Phone -> Phonographs, Accessories Many of us remember, and many of us still own, 45 records. While all vinyl records went out of vogue in the 1980s thanks to the popularity of digital media sources, vinyl records are still manufactured and sold though mostly for......
Related Websites -
How to Approach a Rare Coin Purchase Rare coins are often them sot exciting coin purchases for those who are serious about coin collecting. Each coin collector waits for the day that they are able to pick up the rare coin that they have been interested in for years. It is important for all coin collectors to...... -
Hitaway Training System A tennis training system that costs less than $30? It actually can happen and with this one, we were really surprised at the overall quality. When we got the box, we were pretty skeptical, after all, many training devices will cost at least a few hundred dollars, if not thousands....... -
What Time of the Day is Best For Exercise? While there are many schools of thought on the subject of what time during the day is optimum, it generally boils down to whether or not you are capable of fitting in a workout during that specific time. We’re all on pretty tight schedules these days and sometimes, it is...... - Book Review: Mel Bay's Basic Harp Mel Bay's Basic Harp is intended to be an introductory book to teach beginners how to play the harp in a step-by-step manner. Designed for players of any level, the material in this book can be used on any kind of harp, whether it has pedals or not. It also......
-
Antique Singer Sewing Machine Antiques -> Sewing -> Machines and Machine Parts If you love sewing collectibles and are trying to build up your collection, one of the best additions you can find is an antique Singer sewing machine. These machines can enhance any personal collection and may even be the focal point in......
Pinball machines are very special to many people and over the years, they have become very collectible. Whether you are looking for a pinball machine to restore or one that is in perfect order, they are a great addition to any collection or any game room. Before you purchase one however, there are a few things to look for.
