We appraise all types of wind-up phonographs and specialize in those phonographs from the 1890s-1910s era, including:

• Edison Cylinder Phonographs, such as the Home, Standard, Triumph, Amberola...
• Edison Disc Phonographs, such as the S-19, C-150...
• Victor Talking Machines and Victrolas
• Phonograph Accessories, cylinder records, and ephemera.

How can we help?

       Are you looking to estimate the current market or resale value of your heirloom phonograph? We can give you the value of your phonograph! We offer appraisals by email for convenience or by mail for documentation, and have a simple fee structure and an appraisal you can trust!

       For more information or to obtain an appraisal, contact us at: appraisals@edisonphonographs.com

Our experience:

       We have appraised hundreds of phonographs over a period of decades and are confident you will appreciate our services. In this age of internet auctions and phony reproduction phonographs, wouldn't you like the simplicity of finding out what your antique is worth in a simple and straightforward way? If you are looking to sell your phonograph, wouldn't you like to know what it's worth before guess-timating a value?

WHY IT'S GOOD TO HAVE A PROFESSIONAL APPRAISAL:

Family Heirloom -  We have seen many, many fine phonographs ruined by their owners who did not know anything about them. Although good-intentioned, using certain cleaning products or (innocently) improperly using the phonograph can strongly affect the item's value and functionality. Our appraisal comes with free support and advice, to preserve and protect your historical treasure. Phonograph mechanical repairs can cost upwards of $50-$100 or more! Our appraisal and advice can avoid you making the innocent mistakes we have seen happen all-too-often!

Just curious? - We have received hundreds of requests from individuals just curious about the value of their phonograph. It is understandable that they don't feel they should pay for a simple dollar figure. But, beware -- much information is available for free on the internet, but what experience is behind those sites? Do they have a vested interest in providing you an honest, reliable assessment? Are they amateurs, self-proclaimed experts? Do they give you a price range so wide as to be near meaningless? Do they list options and accessories you are unfamiliar with? Just like automobiles, some can look very similar, but have very different values due to accessories and options. We always provide full, honest, expert, and reliable appraisals. Guaranteed.

Thinking of selling? - We will provide an honest assessment of your phonograph in order than you can be the most informed seller possible. Selling a phonograph without knowing anything about it can be very dangerous, as many knowledgeable buyers prey on this to obtain "bargains." We believe our appraisals and descriptions will earn you approximately 25% higher prices as you will be able to attract buyers who need to know as much as possible about your item. We are also able to write EBay listings on your behalf, in order to provide your bidders with all the information they will need in order to feel confidence in buying. If repairs or parts are needed, we will give you recommendations and estimated costs for repairs. 

We have learned from experience that our appraisals save our clients money!  

"Good work isn't cheap; cheap work isn't good!": as with anything else in life, you get what you pay for!

Rules of thumb:

        Sometimes we hear the following question: "I've got an old Edison Standard phonograph. It's real nice and it's an old one, and a good one. What's it worth?" Our response is, well, tell us a little more...

• Condition, condition, condition. We need photos demonstrating the appearance of the materials, degree of wear, operating condition or not. An item in "like-new" condition can be worth several times the money of the same item with any degree of wear.
• Attachments and components. Just as modern cars with A/C are worth more than those without, antique phonographs had components that could add or detract from their value. A nice, clear photo of the whole item will resolve any of those questions.
• Location, location, location. Some items are worth more on the global market than others, which have more value in certain local markets. A market report is part of our appraisal and you will find it very useful!

Our offerings:

Level A Report: We will provide you with a full-page description of your phonograph, including manufacturing information, accessories present, historical significance, and expected value in the current marketplace. This is a popular appraisal choice and is very useful for informal insurance purposes or eventual Ebay listings. Letter by email and within two days. ($9.95)

Level B Report: We will provide a two-page appraisal with all of the information in Level A, and in addition, will provide three tiers of evaluation: 1. Current estimated value 2. Expected value after restorations 3. Insurance value. Our appraisal is provided by email and paper letter and should be expected within 1-2 weeks. ($19.95)

Level C Report: Full appraisal, best for insurance purposes. All of the above information, plus we print hi-resolution photographs to include with the appraisal on official letterhead with values, estimated repair costs, estimated value after repair, and insurance value. We also provide a list of recommended restoration experts in your area, as well as potential buyers, at your request. ($24.95 or 1% of appraised insurance value)

We accept all forms of payment, including checks, money orders, credit cards (through Paypal), etc. and are committed to providing you the best in customer service.

More information:

  SAMPLE APPRAISAL                                  RECENTLY APPRAISED ITEMS