Banana Gramophone 2:41
- Jun 22
- 3 min read
Join hosts Susan and Randy Donley as they give you an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at their facility expansion and upcoming high-profile auctions. From rare antique phonographs and the "Holy Grail" of classic radios to massive collections of phonograph literature and vintage brewery signs, this episode covers it all. Check out the highlights below and see why these upcoming events are a must-see for serious collectors!
Show Highlights
A Lesson in Automotive History: Susan teases Randy about his first driving test, leading to a fun debate over learning how to drive in a classic Model T [01:21].
Testing the Edison Excelsior: Randy demonstrates an original coin-operated Edison Excelsior phonograph, dropping in a penny to fill the room with music [02:12].
The Origin of a Patriotic Classic: The hosts fact-check the history of John Philip Sousa's "Stars and Stripes Forever", confirming it was originally written as a purely instrumental piece before lyrics were added [04:14].
Massive Facility Expansion: Randy reveals that Donley Auctions has officially expanded into an additional 12,000 square foot building to accommodate their massive influx of inventory [04:46].
Inside the Allen Koenigsberg Library: Take a look at rows of rare research books, journals, and historic publications from the legendary Koenigsberg collection—including peculiar titles like "Edison's Conquest of Mars" [05:14].
The Warhol "Banana Gramophone": Susan shows off a vibrant, pop-art style banana-shaped record player designed by none other than Andy Warhol [06:50].
The Secret Hidden inside a French Clock: Mike shares a closer look at a rare Lyret French mantle clock from 1898 that features a hidden cylinder phonograph inside the back [07:38].
Edison's First Tinfoil Phonograph: See an exact replica of Edison's experimental 1877 machine built to prove sound could be reproduced, sitting alongside a very early hand-wound Berliner gramophone [08:24].
Pronunciation Settled: Randy shares a humorous story about getting corrected on how to pronounce "Koenigsberg" by the collector's brother, only to be reassured by the collector's son [09:44].
The Holy Grail of Radios: The hosts marvel over an incredibly rare, completely untouched Zenith Stratosphere radio with all its original matching serial numbers [11:32].
Seamless Bidding Platform: Randy relays glowing feedback from a longtime collector praising their online bidding platform at DonleyAuctions.com, for its transparency and ease of use [13:58].
Lower Buyer's Premium: Susan highlights the financial perks of using their online bidding platform, which features a low 3% buyer's premium compared to the standard 5% found elsewhere [14:40].
Upcoming Auction Dates: Mark your calendars! The Online Ammo & Accessories auction is set for Saturday, July 18 [15:20], The Online Koenigsberg Cylinder Records Auction will be Wednesday, July 29, followed by the live and online Allen Koenigsberg phonograph auction on Thursday, July 30 [15:35].
The Midwest Music Expo 2026: Randy invites viewers to attend the major phonograph show in Schaumburg, IL, from August 1–2, an event that originally started at Donley's over 50 years ago [16:09].
Unboxing 50 Boxes of Breweriana: Susan showcases a freshly unboxed haul of vintage brewery signs, decanters, and memorabilia from iconic brands like Heineken, Budweiser, and Schlitz [17:16].
Want to see these incredible antiques for yourself? Watch the full episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/5THE1YujPxw
Visit us at: DonleyAuctions.com
Donley Auction Services
815-923-7000
8512 South Union Road (entrance on Marengo Road)
Union, IL 60180
Donley Auctions is a team of experienced auction professionals dedicated to creating a fun and exciting auction experience. With a rich history connected to the original Union Phonograph Show, the Seven Acres Museum, and Donley’s Wild West Town, Donley Auctions offers a diverse range of items for both seasoned collectors and newcomers. Specializing in firearms, militaria, coin-op, phonographs, cars, motorcycles, petroliana, antique advertising, architecture, coins, sports memorabilia, early inventions, and more, we are the place to get top dollar for your high-quality antiques and collectibles. We host live and in-person auctions monthly, complete with complimentary food and beverages, as well as online auctions at DonleyAuctions.com, where you can bid from anywhere in the world. Our friendly atmosphere, combined with our commitment to providing an engaging auction experience and expert shipping, makes us the go-to auction house for buyers and sellers alike. Whether you're looking to buy or sell, Donley Auctions is the place to be!
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