I’m going to begin by stating clearly, I’m “thinking out loud” here. I’ve seen a shift in priorities regarding certain antiques and collectibles, and had to jot it down while it’s fresh. (That’s the fun thing about blogging… it’s “stream of consciousness” journalism!) Automatic Electric MonophoneSpeaking in generalities for a moment (about all sorts of antiques and vintage collectibles), I’m seeing a shift away from full-blown restoration. The new trend is one that, to use a medical term, is “minimally invasive”. Let me make an analogy to the vintage automobile world. (I love analogies) You’re liable to be familiar with the Barrett-Jackson classic car auctions, with all those immaculately restored automobiles bringing record prices. But in the past few years they’ve had company, as many non-restored vehicles, survivors, have gotten their share of attention. A survivor is, generally speaking, a car that hasn’t been brought back to “like new” condition, but is instead a low-mileage, gently used vehicle that, while not perfect, is extremely nice… and not tampered with. Not long ago a “survivor” was prized because they could be easily restored, but today they’re a popular genre unto themselves. Is this going to happen with vintage telephones? I just wonder if flawless restorations will eventually be perceived as rather sterile, lacking the honest look that comes from years of service.Clearly, one wants old phones to be nicely presentable, but should they be as sparkling as a new one? (or, heaven forbid, a new reproduction phone) We all want to make old telephones fully functional and reliable, but “how far to go” appearance-wise could require some soul searching. My personal preference is to leave my own phones with a bit of their “patina” intact, but I’m liable to take a different approach were I planning to sell. Auction prices clearly make restoration tempting, because the shinier the phone, the higher the selling price. No, this isn’t my imagination… shine equals dollars. Granted, the telephones that bring top-dollar have been thoroughly cleaned inside as well, but it’s appearance that draws the bids. Vintage phone nuts (yep, I’m looking right at you) buy, collect, fix/restore and sell because they love the hobby, every aspect of it. What are they going to do? Why, maximize their profit by selling fully restored phones, of course! I suspect that there’s a lot of folk out there that just want a single, reliable old phone for daily use. They don’t want a collection, just a cool, nostalgic example of usable retro-technology that looks fabulous, and are willing to spend $$$ for it. Supply and demand. Suddenly the whole capitalist system has come into sharp focus. Gee, I’m glad we had this talk!
Hmm, now where did I put that Novus…