2-40 Annabelle - Donley Auctions Unfiltered Podcast

Farmyard Sounds - Unfiltered Podcast 2:43

Join hosts Susan and Randy Donley as they go behind the scenes at Donley Auctions to unpack historical artifacts, unique signs, and vintage collectibles arriving for upcoming summer auctions. * [00:07 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-iVlqGBsdA&t=7]] The Trenga Estate Arrival: The team works early in the morning to unload a massive truck container packed with collectibles shipped from Ohio, establishing high anticipation for the upcoming auction line-up. * [00:43 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-iVlqGBsdA&t=43]] Unveiling Carnival Glass Treasure: Randy and Susan showcase a multi-tiered display cabinet filled with vibrant, iridescent carnival glass pieces sourced directly from the Ohio estate collection. * [01:18 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-iVlqGBsdA&t=78]] Koenigsberg Cylinder Record Collection: Previewing an extraordinary two-day online event featuring the late Allen Koenigsberg's historical collection of cylinder records, phonographs, and unique ephemera. * [01:30 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-iVlqGBsdA&t=90]] Rare 5-Inch Berliner Disc Record: Expert Mike Donley breaks down a highly scarce 5-inch brown celluloid Berliner Gramophone record produced by German toy manufacturer Kämmer & Reinhardt. * [02:59 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-iVlqGBsdA&t=179]] A Thank You Letter from Prisoners to Edison: A look at a fascinating typewritten letter from 1910 sent by inmates at Trenton State Prison, thanking the National Phonograph Company for providing them with music. * [03:51 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-iVlqGBsdA&t=231]] The Historic 1887 Volta Laboratory Letter: Analyzing an insightful piece of correspondence highlighting early development notes on the graphophone, with handwritten inscriptions requesting the document be shared directly with Thomas Edison. * [05:25 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-iVlqGBsdA&t=325]] Thomas Edison Pen-and-Ink Sketch: Displaying an original 1880 sketch of Thomas Edison drawn by his pioneer lab associate Samuel Mott and personally autographed by Edison himself. * [06:18 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-iVlqGBsdA&t=378]] Militaria and Weaponry Galore: Militaria expert John Maniatis walks through an impressive assortment of World War I and World War II bayonets, swords, daggers, and military helmets. * [06:46 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-iVlqGBsdA&t=406]] Discovered Norwegian Rarity: In a detailed inspection, expert Joe Pankowski helps sort genuine militaria items from reproductions, revealing an extremely rare and valuable Norwegian piece. * [07:56 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-iVlqGBsdA&t=476]] The Iconic Palmer House Sign: Susan introduces a vintage, large-scale sign from Chicago’s legendary Palmer House hotel, triggering a deep dive into the building's historic three-tier reconstruction since 1871. * [11:00 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-iVlqGBsdA&t=660]] An Invitation for Sign and Neon Consignments: Randy and Susan outline their sourcing goals for an upcoming specialized advertising sign auction, seeking classic porcelain pieces, neon signs, and "Petroliana" gas pumps. * [11:42 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-iVlqGBsdA&t=702]] Stunning Reverse-Painted Lamp Shades: The hosts reveal an exclusive look at several magnificent, beautifully preserved reverse-painted and slag glass lamp shades from the Ohio collection. Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/q-iVlqGBsdA [https://youtu.be/q-iVlqGBsdA]

2:42 Ding Dong - Unfiltered Podcast

If you love rare finds, museum-quality history, and a behind-the-scenes look at the high-end auction world, you won't want to miss this one. From pre-Edison electricity to the earliest sound recording devices, here’s a sneak peek at the historic pieces walking through our doors. Episode Highlights: * [00:00 [https://www.google.com/search?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DLVbrxSy0g14%26t%3D0]] The Golden Rule of Mugs: Randy kicks things off with a hilarious public service announcement on the right way to print your promotional coffee mugs. * [00:47 [https://www.google.com/search?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DLVbrxSy0g14%26t%3D47]] Powering the Past: Before tiny microchips, we had massive battery jars! Discover the heavy, acid-filled glass jars people used to lug around for electricity before homes were wired. * [05:44 [https://www.google.com/search?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DLVbrxSy0g14%26t%3D344]] Gothic Greetings: We show off a stunning, wrought-iron Spanish doorbell featuring a mysterious pilgrim and a hand-forged dragon head terminus. You have to see this to believe it! * [07:09 [https://www.google.com/search?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DLVbrxSy0g14%26t%3D429]] Summer Classic Teaser: We put out the call for consignments for our Summer Classic, featuring petroliana, coin-op machines, and a crazy story about a lost gas pump collection in Chicago. * [08:18 [https://www.google.com/search?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DLVbrxSy0g14%26t%3D498]] We Sell Full-Size Bars! Did you know we completely dismantle and ship entire antique saloon bars across the country? Find out how our team makes the impossible happen. * [09:10 [https://www.google.com/search?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DLVbrxSy0g14%26t%3D550]] Ammo & Accessories: Grab a cup of coffee and take a peek at our massive staging wall of military surplus, hunting gear, and safes gearing up for the July 18 auction. * [10:23 [https://www.google.com/search?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DLVbrxSy0g14%26t%3D623]] A Hero's Helmet: Susan highlights a beautiful 8-rib leather fireman's helmet from River Forest. Discover the fascinating history of why early firefighters couldn't wear metal or fiberglass gear! * [12:52 [https://www.google.com/search?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DLVbrxSy0g14%26t%3D772]] Surviving the Elements: A quick detour as Randy and Susan compare the hardcore survivalists of the TV show Outlast to the freezing rain outside the auction house. * [13:22 [https://www.google.com/search?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DLVbrxSy0g14%26t%3D802]] Behind the Lens: Meet our incredible photographer Jim, who is busy shooting thousands of rare wax cylinder records and phonographs for our next big event. * [15:35 [https://www.google.com/search?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DLVbrxSy0g14%26t%3D935]] Streets of Yesteryear: Take a stroll through Donley's indoor "Wild West" town as it gets staged for auction, and catch a glimpse of another vintage Berwyn fire helmet inside the old pawn shop! * [16:49 [https://www.google.com/search?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DLVbrxSy0g14%26t%3D1009]] Lamps & Legends: We explore the lamp shop filled with oil lanterns and highlight a classic John Rogers plaster statue, part of an amazing upcoming collection. * [18:19 [https://www.google.com/search?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DLVbrxSy0g14%26t%3D1099]] Pre-Edison Sound! The absolute crown jewel of the episode: an 1850s Phonautograph! Learn about the genius who invented sound recording decades before Edison, and why you couldn't even play the sound back. This is the only one of these known to exist outside of the Smithsonian! * [21:48 [https://www.google.com/search?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DLVbrxSy0g14%26t%3D1308]] The Koenigsberg Collection: We wrap up with a massive tease for the July 30 auction. Expect museum-quality phonographs, stereoviews, zoetropes, and the rarest early cinema technology on the market. Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/LVbrxSy0g14 [https://youtu.be/LVbrxSy0g14]

Banana Gramophone - Unfiltered Podcast 2:41

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 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5THE1YujPxw&t=81]]. * 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 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5THE1YujPxw&t=132]]. * 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 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5THE1YujPxw&t=254]]. * 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 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5THE1YujPxw&t=286]]. * 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 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5THE1YujPxw&t=314]]. * 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 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5THE1YujPxw&t=410]]. * 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 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5THE1YujPxw&t=458]]. * 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 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5THE1YujPxw&t=504]]. * 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 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5THE1YujPxw&t=584]]. * 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 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5THE1YujPxw&t=692]]. * Seamless Bidding Platform: Randy relays glowing feedback from a longtime collector praising their online bidding platform at DonleyAuctions.com [http://donleyauctions.com/], for its transparency and ease of use [13:58 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5THE1YujPxw&t=838]]. * 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 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5THE1YujPxw&t=880]]. * Upcoming Auction Dates: Mark your calendars! The Online Ammo & Accessories auction is set for Saturday, July 18 [15:20 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5THE1YujPxw&t=920]], 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 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5THE1YujPxw&t=935]]. * 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 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5THE1YujPxw&t=969]]. * 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 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5THE1YujPxw&t=1036]]. Want to see these incredible antiques for yourself? Watch the full episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/5THE1YujPxw [https://youtu.be/5THE1YujPxw]

2-40 Annabelle - Donley Auctions Unfiltered Podcast

Inside the Vault: Rare Phonographs, Historical Wonders, and Edison's 'Little Monster' In this episode of the Donley Auctions Unfiltered Podcast, the team takes you behind the scenes for an exclusive look at the spectacular antique collections currently heading to the auction block. From upcoming doubleheaders to rare artifacts that changed how humanity experienced sound, this episode is packed with historical treasures and insights for high-end antiquities collectors. Show Highlights: * 00:00:38 [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://youtu.be/IDgretRJXZI%3Ft%3D38] – Upcoming Auction Doubleheader: Get details on the upcoming online-only auctions, including the incredible Larry Prosken Vintage Toys & Trains Collection on Thursday and the breathtaking Relics of the American West (1850-1920) on Friday. * 00:02:37 [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://youtu.be/IDgretRJXZI%3Ft%3D157] – Showroom Expansion: Learn about the conversion of the old Wild West town museum into a massive new auction hall, adding 12,000 square feet of beautiful showroom space. * 00:03:01 [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://youtu.be/IDgretRJXZI%3Ft%3D181] – The Allen Koenigsberg Phonograph Collection: Introduction to the highly anticipated July auction featuring the legendary collection of the ultimate phonograph guru, professor, and author, Allen Koenigsberg. * 00:04:40 [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://youtu.be/IDgretRJXZI%3Ft%3D280] – History Class Flashback: The team shares a humorous look at an original Greek history midterm exam professor Koenigsberg gave his students back on July 7, 1980. * 00:05:05 [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://youtu.be/IDgretRJXZI%3Ft%3D305] – The Koenigsberg Library: A sneak peek at the extensive research library up for bidding on Day 1, filled with original literature, advertising pamphlets, and books covering the origins of Edison and Columbia phonographs. * 00:08:10 [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://youtu.be/IDgretRJXZI%3Ft%3D490] – High Demand for Consignments: Discover why Donley Auctions remains the absolute premier destination for antique phonographs, with a dedicated global audience and continuous premium consignments pouring in for the fall. * 00:08:58 [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://youtu.be/IDgretRJXZI%3Ft%3D538] – 2026 Midwest Music Expo: Mark your calendars for this three-day music expo happening at the Hyatt Regency in Schaumburg, Illinois, starting July 31. * 00:09:47 [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://youtu.be/IDgretRJXZI%3Ft%3D587] – Rare Phonograph Parts: An insider look at the rare horn rails, reproducing elements, and recording tubes that have passionate collectors ecstatically celebrating. * 00:11:06 [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://youtu.be/IDgretRJXZI%3Ft%3D666] – The Evolution of Home Audio: A fascinating deep dive into how Thomas Edison was actually too far ahead of his time, forcing him to transition from complex electric/battery machines backward to spring-motor technology so regular households could use them. * 00:16:49 [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://youtu.be/IDgretRJXZI%3Ft%3D1009] – Hidden 1878 Matthew Brady Portrait: See a stunning, ultra-rare portrait of Thomas Edison, Charles Kruesi, and Edward Painter taken by famed Civil War photographer Matthew Brady in Washington, D.C. * 00:18:08 [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://youtu.be/IDgretRJXZI%3Ft%3D1088] – Edison's Talking Doll ("Annabelle"): The star of the show! Learn the history of this rare 1889 doll that contains an internal cylinder phonograph. Hear why it cost a full week's salary, why only 2,000 were ever sold, and why Edison himself lovingly referred to them as his "little monsters." Want to see these magnificent pieces for yourself and find out how the team tries out the 130-year-old recording technology live? Watch the full episode on YouTube here! [https://youtu.be/IDgretRJXZI]

Ghosted 2:39

Podcast Breakdown: Ghosted – Donley Auctions Unfiltered The energy was off the charts at the recent Top 300 Auction! In this unfiltered episode, Susan and Randy recap jaw-dropping bidding wars, massive record-breakers, and items that went for many times their starting prices. They also dive into the upcoming lineup for June and drop some serious truth bombs about what happens when winning bidders try to "ghost" their legally binding contracts. * Behind the Scenes Personal Updates [[01:48 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9o6MABTnCo&t=108]] – Randy shares some personal banter regarding listener emails about his weight loss journey and his brand-new, ultra-short haircut inspired by Shark Tank. * A New Industry Record Shattered [[04:30 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9o6MABTnCo&t=270]] – The crew celebrates breaking an industry auction record with a Valley Reliance Dice Game slot machine that hammered down at an incredible $22,000. * The Unbelievable Trunk Find [[06:40 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9o6MABTnCo&t=400]]– Proving that new collectors and amazing attic finds are still out there, an unrestored Valley Reliance machine brought in by a consignor in the trunk of their car climbed from a $500 starting bid all the way to $9,000. * The Top Sleeper Items & Multipliers [[07:57 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9o6MABTnCo&t=477]] – A countdown of the top five items that absolutely crushed their initial bids, featuring a 1902 John Gun Brewing sign, a stained glass lamp, an early fan motor, and a Wolf's Head motor oil sign that went for 27 times its starting price. * No Reserves Mean Real Deals [[10:13 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9o6MABTnCo&t=613]]– A look at a stock ticker that jumped from $2,500 to $9,500, illustrating how Donley's 80% unreserved auctions create massive opportunities for both buyers and sellers. * Something for Every Wallet [[12:33 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9o6MABTnCo&t=753]]– Susan explains the strategy behind including lower-end items alongside high-ticket lots so that anyone can participate, whether their budget is $50 or $150,000. * "Be Like Mark" & Post-Auction Reality [[13:43 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9o6MABTnCo&t=823]] – A shoutout to the ultimate model buyer ("Mark") and an inside look at the monumental logistics, packing, and shipping work that begins after the hammer falls. * Saying Goodbye to a Piece of History [[16:02 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9o6MABTnCo&t=962]] – The emotional departure of the Wild West Town carousel, a staple at the amusement park since the late 1980s, which is officially packed up and heading to its new home in Texas. * Don't Be a Ghost: The Legality of Bidding [[17:47 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9o6MABTnCo&t=1067]]– A serious heart-to-heart regarding buyer's remorse. Susan and Randy explain why a bid is a legally binding contract, how ghosting hurts consignors, and how banned accounts pave the way for "Ghosted Goods" auctions. * The Stacked June Online Lineup [[19:25 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9o6MABTnCo&t=1165]] – Previewing three upcoming online-only auctions: the Ghosted Goods event (luxury Rolex watches), Vintage Toys & Trains, and Relics of the American Old West (featuring authentic Battle of the Little Bighorn dug relics). Want to browse the catalogs, catch the next big bidding war, or learn how to consign your own treasures? Head over to Donley Auctions [https://www.donleyauctions.com] and make sure to subscribe so you never miss an unfiltered episode!