What Should I Do With My Edison??

Hi everyone,

Due to a certain family member's irresponsible financial handling, I am forced to look at selling my 1918 Edison C-150 Diamond Disc player. If it was in average, worn condition like you usually find these models in, I would probably have no issue selling it for parts. However, this player is in literally like-new condition - it runs fine, has all original parts and accessories, and there is not a trace of wear or signs of heavy use anywhere on the machine. It could literally be a museum piece in a few years! Because of that, I'd like to keep it all intact and sell it as one entire unit. But, finding a local collector who would actually pay a handsome amount for this player is going to be difficult and I know that I could sell it for parts to maximize the money sold from this player.

Does anyone here who has been in a similar situation like myself know what I should do in this case? I'm located in the Twin Cities and I've already put it up on Craigslist with no success. My emotional side does not want to part it out because it's a great piece of history and I'd prefer it go to another buyer who will enjoy it, but my logical side says that I should part it out because I don't want to sell it as an entire unit for, say, $20 because I can't find a local buyer who will take the whole thing. I am also looking around at local auction companies to sell it at a show, but the ones I'm encountering don't seem to attract a big antique/collectibles audience (they seem to attract bidders more interested in old farm equipment, car memorabilia, etc.)

Thanks!

Thanks!

I'm not surprised that you didn't get anywhere with craigslist. That's where people go to find giveaways and bargains, and most don't give a damn about the condition, as long as the price is cheap. Or if they do--care about condition--then they also probably want to find the deal of the century.

If it's in all original, pristine condition, as you say, with the original finish intact, as well as all parts, etc., then definitely DO NOT PART IT OUT. If you have any interest in the hobby, you'll never forgive yourself.

Your best bet would probably to be to put it up for sale on eBay, accompanied by some HIGH QUALITY close-up photos and a detailed description. If you don't want to go through the trouble of shipping it, limit the sale to local pick-up only.

You also have to be realistic about the price. The C150 was a medium price range model, not top of the line, and is considered very common, though it's uncommon to find one in the condition you've described. (If you have a chance, post some photos in a follow-up response.) Before posting on ebay, track a few auctions with similar items for sale such as this one -- http://www.ebay.com/itm/Edison-Phonogra ... 4175dad7bf

JDS

Thanks Joe, I have been considering selling it on eBay but will have to find the right time to list it...maybe right before or right after the holidays when people have money to spend would be a wise move? Considering that this player has been kept in amazing shape for the past 95 years, I'd rather not be the force that irreversibly alters that.

Hopefully I will find a buyer for this unit soon - I want it to go to a good home where it will be appreciated and used frequently, since for all I know, in a few months my family will not even HAVE our house to keep it in anymore.

Those Edison record books should gather some interest! You don't see them that often, and in such great shape!