Some of my "toys" that many don't understand

[cellboy]

A bit of history: My late partner had a second occupation of collecting and selling antiques. His passion was music, and machines. He had over 200 machines, from Victrolas, juke boxes of all eras, and 4 pianos (one Ampico player grand), plus all the artwork, furniture etc.
He had over 10,000 records of every era too. All crammed into his 4 bedroom home.
When he passed away over 11 yrs ago, I was lucky to get a few machines. One machine that I would die for however, is a Pathe. French made, the record were stamped to play from the inside out.

The type of records that play on these machines are not the newer typical vinyl that we are most accustomed to. The Swiss Steel needles (that need changing often) would rip and ruin the vinyl. The older thicker records are the best, from the earlier era. Some are stamped on one or two sides. I snagged quite a few, include some perfect Enrico Caruso from the 1900's, that sound absolutely fabulous. Other records are good too, some very funny, with the sexual innuendos throughout (as to skirt by the censors of the time)
These machines, if not in use often, need to be wound up once in awhile as to keep the spring action limber.


Victor II Talking Machine- This was my first machine, that Larry gave to me as a gift. The small clock next to it, also a gift, chimes like a huge grandfather clock. I usually don't run it, as not to wake up the neighbors.


Standard

Standard Model A - Larry had this in his bedroom. I think it was one of his first machines that he collected when he was 14yrs old. I always teased him that it might disappear to my house one day. It did :)


Lavette Standing - The case was empty, and Larry took some old parts and made this machine for my Christmas present.

Brunswick Portable (Small and perfect on picnics)


Victor VI with wood horn - This is the Cadillac of machines. The wood horn is very rare. This is a big machine, and too big to display so I store in the closet :(

Comments

[wrascalism.livejournal.com]

I used to have a friend (he is dead now) who had a houseful of old victrolas, jukeboxes, player pianos and other musical ephemera. I miss him.

[cellboy.livejournal.com]

I bet Larry probably knew him. There was this connection, a web of collectors (B4 we had PC and the internet), that would call, write each other as to what was for sale, new finds etc. And of course most of these collectors were members of the Art Deco Society of SF, the Free Wheelers and so on. So everyone seemed to connect in someway with everyone all over :o)