World-Class Collection of Rare Phonographs Coming to Auction

UNION, IL – Over the course of his 50 years of collecting, Howard Hazelcorn amassed a world-class collection over more than 30 fields of collectibles.

But when it came to collecting phonographs, Hazelcorn literally wrote the book on it. In fact, he wrote several books. He spent decades researching Columbia and its phonographs and other products, and built the world’s largest library of information on the subject.

A tinfoil-demonstration machine; estimate: $10,000-$15,000.

Courtesy of Donley Auctions

Hazelcorn’s phonograph and music collection is now coming to Donley Auctions in an unprecedented two-day sale, December 11 and 12, that will feature more than 150 of the rarest phonographs ever collected. The auction will also include a selection of the rarest records, parts, advertising, and literature Donley said it has ever seen in a single collection.

The auction will feature rare examples of early Edison, Victor, and Columbia machines including two rare original tinfoil demonstration machines, coin-op cylinder machines, several Bettini’s and polyphones, and a Mills illustrated song machine – the only known example to date.

This Mills illustrated song machine is the only known example to date; estimate: $75,000-$100,000.

Courtesy of Donley Auctions

Nickel-plated Edison cylinder record cabinet; estimate: $30,000-$40,000.

Courtesy of Donley Auctions

Also included in the music selection will be early wax cylinders, a large quantity of Berliner 7-inch discs, and 50 Pink Lambert cylinders. There’s literally something for every antique music collector, whether you’re just beginning to collect or you’ve been at it for years.