Hi guys, Happy 2016 etc.
I have recently been offered this radio, in apparently good condition. As yet I have only seen these photos of the actual radio. I have seen several other photos on the web but nothing that might give a guide to a fair price to pay. Does anyone have any experience with this set and be able to offer advice as to a "ball park" figure for same? Thanks for your time.

 

Essanays usually attract a higher price, especially when in good nick.

I've seen these go for anywhere between $300 and $600 on Ebay.

Steve does valuations on these old girls you would do well to contact him as well. Thats a real beauty how much is the offer if its not too rude to ask. I would be guessing near 800 as per its value.

Thanks guys.
Well, the advice from the vendor is that one of these sold on ebay a couple of years back for just over $4k. The asking price is in the region between this and Carl's estimate. Apparently there is another buyer interested.

I can't seem to transfer the photos from my phone but the radio does look to be in excellent cosmetic condition, looking as good or better than the ones I found on the web. I guess I better put my Lotto in tonight!!

I'm not into timber sets but that is indeed a very good looking radio. I don't know its rarity nor what sort of demand there is for it.

Of course, the worth of anything ultimately depends on what someone is willing to pay for it on the day you must sell it, and that depends on how many people know that it's for sale.

If someone decides to offer that sort of money then I'd take it. At times people just want something badly enough to pay anything and that becomes the value of that model until there is another sale somewhere. One thing some people may vie for this radio for is that there is also a console version though the larger radio isn't as intricate in it's design but they share the chrome tuning dial.

Essanay receivers in good condition are rare but there is a following for them. The brand is the phonetic spelling of S & A, the first letters of the names of the founders of the company.

Just pray that the seller isn't watching this thread!

Hi Brad, I actually advised the seller to check the forum for the suggested price range hoping to temper the price even a little bit, but "no cigar!!" It's firm!!

So, I just have to rationalise that it is very nice, quite rare and sought after, and fifteen years ago I paid much more for an AWA C104 Radiolette. Interesting that for a company in a cultured city like Melbourne they didn't make the name Essanday which is more phonetically correct!!!

Oh well, radios keep me outta the pubs 'n' off the pokies!!!

If you are comfortable with the Offer then GO FOR IT. If not then dont . always when I bid on ebay I only bid what I'm comfortable with. Dont let another possible buyer make you buy it because the other may not exist. But if you really want it then get it. ( I would get it )

I would ask steve about it really

Yes ok the 1935 to 36 Essanay tombstone one in a shop in ballarat been there for years price $1,700 I seen 1 sell in sydney 2003 year $2000 -----------they are rare but there is the odd one around , its timber normally the high rollers don't like timber ( they not real smart ) timbers far more rare than Bakelite.

In 1993 I was offered one of these for exactly $800 but in 1993 that was a lot of brass so I walked away from it , the seller still had it 3 years on in a bush town and he'd offered it to 9 people whom all had $1,000 apiece to burn .

Not a 1 would pay ( and the set was mint order ) so yes, Brad and others are right ''its worth what someone will pay on the day'' had I a spare $1000 these days for this Essanay I might buy it - but not a farthing more !

Remember at days end when your finished with it and want to move it on just for money back, well if you paid $1,000 you will find a buyer but if you paid $4,000 ( mug ) your gunnu die with it, ... because it will never find a new owner - 4k is av lot of coin to put a mid 30's timber mantel on a shelf.

Beam power))))

Make sure the guy really does have another buyer ) the other buyer I think you'l find is the invisable man - you know)))) - ask to meet him & see his cash! il bet $100 - he amazingly - can't be found !

Carefull that your not getting played for a mug via the 'Cartel''

I think I know whom has this set , ( BELIEVE ME IF ITS THE ONE I THINK IT IS - HE PAID NOWHERE NEAR 4K - YOU COULD SHAVE $2,800 PLUS OFF THAT )

Carefull of the snake oil salesmen if they are in south sydney !

Weasel words, made them all rich you know!

Hi guys, thanks for the words of Wisdom!
I realise that whatever the item there is usually ALWAYS some guy who's "coming around this arvo to have a look" etc!, but this seller is aware of my concerns and I believe, would have a reputation to uphold.
Over the last year I think I have worked out the workings of the"cartel" !! (The snake oil has a distinct aroma of aviation fuel!!) There was a cartel in the telephone collecting realm as well!! I only ever collected stuff due to interest rather than to just flip it for profit. (Silly Me!!)
The price, is considerably less than 4k!! .......and I can do installments!!
It recently changed hands as part of a rare gramophone deal in "Mexico" , I'll pick it up when next down there, and post the actual photos when I squeeze them out of my phone!!!
cheers lads!!

Those beautiful old wooden sets are very endearing. Just enjoy buddy

Don’t forget to check the chassis! I have seen radios that are perfect on the outside but someone has changed the inside from a TRF to superhet, wrong valves, wrong chassis, etc. For that price it should be pristine on the inside and the outside!

GARY hit the nail on the head for that money ( she'd want to be like it just came out the factory ) not 1 bit of fly shit on it even or i'd be walking away !

Guy on here trying get advice on a green and black fret and foot radiolette and maybe other rare sets - be careful.

SOME REAL SCUMBAGS OUT THERE NOW WHOM ONLY SEE A SET AS MONEY !

BEWARE OF THE CARTEL ''ITS ACTIVE '' IT;S GOT EVERY CON LINE IN THE BOOK REHEARSED AND RE - REHEARSED.............................. CAREFULL CAREFULL !

THE CARTELL IS ON DISC NOW YOU KNOW IF ANYBODY WANT'S A COPY ! ( I THINK I CAN ARRANGE A COUPLE ) I THINK THEY GOT THE PICTURES OF THEM... AS THEY WERE ON WORK RELEASE FROM THE LOCAL BOOB LOL LOL!

IT READS LIKE A WHO'S WHO OF THE ANTIQUE ELECTRONICS UNDERWORLD , YOU MAY EVEN FIND THE BLOKE ON THERE THAT STOLE YOUR DADS BLACK RADIOLETTE .!!!

THE ONE THEY TOLD HIM WAS ONLY WORTH 25 BOB !!!!

I've seen a number of these sell over the years. The most I recall one selling for was mid $2000's. Timber radios as a general rule have greatly reduced in price compared to what they were exchanging hands for 10 & even 20 years ago with only a few exceptions to that statement. The Essanay in question has always been a highly regarded set

Steve however is correct if you pay $4000 you will likely own it until the end of time, that is of course assuming that if & when you sell it you need to get your money back.
As a collector of radios I have spent thousands of dollars on my collection. I did that because I can & I get enjoyment from owning them. When the day comes that I finally sell them do, I hope they'll still be worth what I paid ? Absolutely, but if they're not well that's the way it is. People buy a lounge or new TV at Harvey Norman for 3k & don't even blink, then 10yrs later pop it out on the kerb for the clean up & rush to drop 3k on another. It's an interesting concept that anything antique or vintage must maintain or increase in price. When after all a 1940's radio is also a mass produced, antiquated domestic appliance. Cant help but still love 'em though.

Scott.