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I am a sceptic trying to keep an open mind about all this. But, I might suggest that showing AI inquires that are inaccurate because the model has yet to be trained could be seen as a reason to not trust it. The more wrong answers we collectors see the less trust will be gained. Maybe wait until it is a bit further along to show query results or something.

I have always believed that all rigid arm victors came with the smaller concert reproducer for a rigid arm. However, recently I have seen two rigid arm machines fitted for an exhibition reproducer. There is metal piece with the slot that allows the exhibition to connect attached to the arm. My question is was I correct that all rigid arm machines used the concert reproducer, or were some late ones fitted with an exhibition? If not correct i suppose someone modified the scissor arm to have the fitting for the exhibition. I'd love opinions and/or answers from many on this forum that are more knowledgeable than me. Thanks

There is certainly work to do on generalizations and assumptions. The differentiation between “original finish” and “over-done” will require some training effort for sure.

My favorite part is the "...external horn...hidden beneath the lid..."😄 I can't quite tell from the image, but AI seems to be able to discern that the finish is "...remarkably well preserved..." I could be wrong - because I'm not AI - but to me the cabinet looks like it's been overcoated. I'll stop now because it is after all, a prototype. George P.

Indeed, we included a disclaimer that the slide-deck was AI generated; however, many examples already exist in which there is no such distinction, forcing the consumer to make that leap-of-faith. APS is currently prototyping an AI engine, "Ask The Curator" to provide context from a photograph. This is very-early in development and very-much a prototype. We have not "trained" it yet in all of the various nuances and configurations. We also often receive multiple queries daily. One such example just occurred in which someone asked if their Edison Home was in the documented "new style" cabinet and separately, how to keep drawers on a Herzog cabinet from "pulling-out". This was one of the photos supplied: This was the answer generated by "George Intelligence": "You appear to have already learned a good deal about your Edison Home Phonograph. Your Home is indeed a Model A in the New Style cabinet. Your Herzog record cabinet was originally equipped with metal latches which prevented the drawers from being accidentally pulled free of the cabinet. These are often found missing, and no one is reproducing them. I hope the foregoing will be helpful to you. Best, George Paul - Antique Phonograph Society" This was the answer generated, in 20 seconds, by the "APS Artificial Intelligence Prototype Ask The Curator" from a single cabinet photograph: This was the response after I asked the interactive question: "How Many Were Produced?"

This is the perfect example of how amazing AI has become and how scary it is becoming. It is obvious, especially after you told us, that it was AI produced, in that there are errors of flow of the narrative. But just think AI was just a topic of doomsday discussions only a handful of years ago and now it is producing a video based upon some online research. If it keeps evolving at this rate AI will be used in everything we use and see on our computers and TVs. This will be both a good thing, in exposing more people to content like the story of Casey Jones, but it will destroy the credibility of the internet as nobody will be able to trust anything that is produced. I forecast there will be a backlash against "social media" and "news" because of the lack of trust and if we are lucky there will be an increase in the interest in non electrical (non AI) technology and an increase in our collecting community. Bruce

I found out that the motor board was removed when the phonograph got moved just a few months ago. They thought the motor board got tossed out. The parent passed away recently and there was a lot of arguing with the kids about what to do with all the stuff. They said that one of the sons brought in a dumpster and just started tossing stuff in it. The phonograph was moved before it also might have been tossed in the dumpster. If you saw the building that it was in, it was a MESS!!!!! Thanks to the one son that kept it from being thrown away. I have to wonder if the springs were replaced in 2021. If it was 1921 then they broke just a few years after new. The motor runs very smooth and strong.

I rather doubt the spring replacement was 5 years ago, given that it had been gutted. I suspect the original owner had the springs replaced just a few years after buying it. I can't imagine why, but I really can't imagine a modern owner repairing it only to pull the motor out and put it in storage.

That is truly gorgeous cabinetry. Great find!

This AI generated slide-show is based upon two articles authored by Mark Mathosian on Casey Jones, March and June 2026, The Antique Phonograph. It is being posted here just as a matter of interest and as an example of the evolution of AI tools.

Ken I believe you are right. That sure looks like circaissian to me. You are really on a roll! I'm going to pull up a chair next to you at Schaumberg. Maybe some of that luck will rub off! Congratulations on two very nice finds!

Stunning wood graining. Great find, congratulations. Bruce

It beautiful!!!

You're swimming in Circassian! George P.

That's one beautiful cabinet! George P.

Well, Monday was the Circassian Walnut Sonora Elite and yesterday I brought this home. It is a Detmer-Phone in, I believe, Circassian Walnut. It was posted over two weeks ago and I began messaging about it. They finally got back to me yesterday morning. It wasn't far from where I drove to get the Sonora Elite on Monday. I confirmed with a phone call and headed out. I thought the glass knobs weren't correct but one other example in mahogany is on YouTube and has the same glass knobs. The wood grain is absolutely stunning. Four panel book matching veneer. It has several small veneer issues but is worth the effort to bring it back to life. I haven't been able to find any other information on this make or model phonograph. If you know of any original ads, please let me know.

I contacted someone on a Facebook post that was selling an empty Sonora Elite case in Circassian Walnut. It was about 2 1/2 hours away and thought I would go after it only after a confirming phone call about it. I was about a half hour into the trip and got a message showing they found the motor board with the tone arm, crank, turntable, etc... I then got a call from the seller and now they want more for it all. Still a bargain. When I got there, I noticed some veneer damage to the top but the rest was just very dirty. I paid her and loaded it all up. The case cleaned up very well. I left the damaged portion of the top as is for now until I can come up with a way to fix it. I showed pictures to another collector and his is only a few serial numbers away and also in Circassian Walnut. There is a pencil marking on the bottom of the motor board saying the "Output Springs Replaced 1-19-21. I have to assume that it was 2021? The motor runs very smooth and quiet.

Thanks Dan, Maybe I'll give Mark a call.

I belive the HG belonged to Mark Albertson. I don't think it sold.

Thanks for those additions! That brings our database up to 454 recorded survivors. Pretty remarkable.

If you are still updating, here are my 4. 3716 is Oak. Dan

Thanks for the pictures Dan, much appreciated. Looks like a great varied inventory of machines and related items. Someone would be hard pressed to not find something of interest at the show. Larry C

Thanks Dan, Looks like some interesting stuff there as usual! I suppose the Idelia was one of the highlights. Somewhere I saw a pic of a Columbia HG too. Anybody know who had that and whether it sold? Wish I could have been there!

I wouldn't think that the open holes would be a problem. The liquid should just drain out and dry up after plating is done.