How We Grade Our Phonographs
We are extremely critical and conservative graders of phonographs. Beyond a detailed written description, we grade every phonograph on two separate criteria: originality and condition. Our goal has always been to maintain integrity in the hobby, which can only be achieved through a true and accurate representation of each phonograph.
We rate "originality" as a service to the collector community — many collectors value the historical significance of an original, non-refinished machine, while others simply want a beautiful showpiece for their home and prefer the fresh appearance of a correctly restored example. While original machines tend to carry higher market value, all of our restored machines that are offered for sale are historically authentic.
"Condition" rankings refer only to the cosmetic appearance of a phonograph, and describe the presence of any defects or damage.
We do not sell original or restored phonographs in poor condition, fakes, replicas, or machines pieced together from different models. We also do not sell common, low-end models, which can be found in flea markets or swap meets. Our inventory represents some of the best examples in the country — machines that other sellers might classify as "mint" or "outstanding" may not even qualify for sale from our business, as they wouldn't measure up to the caliber of phonographs we sell.
We also use a "+" and "−" designation when appropriate to indicate a small weighting factor within a grade — for example, "2+" implies a machine rated higher than "2" but not quite "1."
Originality: Is the phonograph original or restored?
- Grade 1: Machine is 100% original. The cabinet may have been cleaned and hardware gently polished, but no replacement cabinet, hardware, or trim parts have been used. Turntable felt may have been replaced. Totally original finish.
- Grade 2: Machine is considered at least 75% original. Some newly manufactured (but historically correct) replacement hardware or cosmetic parts may have been used, or some touch-up of the finish may have been completed.
- Grade 3: Machine has been fully or partially restored, but the restoration was done in a historically correct manner.
- Grade 4: Machine was restored or has been overcoated with unknown materials (by others). It appears historically correct, but can't be certified as an "authentic restoration." This category is usually reserved for very rare examples.
Note that the overhaul of motors and soundboxes are completed for every machine we sell. This work is done using correct parts, and is considered 'maintenance', not 'restoration'.
Condition: What is the overall cosmetic appearance of the machine?
Note: All machines we sell undergo a complete mechanical rebuild and are fully warranted for mechanical performance — see below.
- Grade 1: Mint/flawless/'as-new' condition. This grade is reserved for the very best examples, and is very rarely used. Far less than 1% of surviving machines would fall into this category.
- Grade 2: Machine shows only the slightest wear due to age or use. Many sellers would consider this grade "mint" or "exceptional" condition.
- Grade 3: Machine shows some evidence of wear, but is extremely presentable in fine collection. Minor crazing or surface defects may be present in the hardware finish. Our "Grade 3" represents what many phonograph sellers may call "excellent."
- Grade 4: Machine shows typical wear and/or age effects, but is still very acceptable in general appearance, and will stand up well as a solid antique for display in any home.
- Grade 5: A special classification reserved for very rare or desirable machines that fall below "Grade 4" in condition. This may suit buyers looking for a scarce model in complete condition that can be left "as is," or restored by the purchaser.