pianogirl wrote:1. Model Designation: (C-250 or C-19)
Shows both, but serial number plate says C019
2. Serial Number:
79121
3. Bedplate Pinstriping: Y/N
Not sure what this is
4. "Official Laboratory" Medallion: Round/Pentagonal/None
Round see attachment
5. Exact Wording of the Medallion: Please be precise (Abbreviated signature, for example)
"The Model 250 Diamond Disc Phonograph is the Official Laboratory Model. Thos A Edison"
6. Record Storage: Drawers or Shelves?
Drawers
7. Cabinet Wood Type: Mahogany or Oak?
Oak
8. Duncan Stop?: Y/N
Not sure what this is see attachment
9. Dealer Tag: Name/Address, Location On Machine
none
10. Original Dated Sales Receipt/Shipping Documentation, etc.: (Dates are particularly noteworthy):
None
11. Grille cloth? Color?
Gold/beige metallic looking (see attachment)
For those with C-19's, please supplement the above information to include the following addendums to the list of criteria that I've asked for previously:
12) Is the reproducer, horn throat, and other hardware on the turntable gold plated or gun-metal?
Not sure (see attachment)
13) Is the record storage door held open by a rod at the top, center shelf or the bottom of the cabinet?
Bottom
14) Are the numbered strips for the record storage 1-36 on both strips or 1-36 on the top strip and 37-72 on the bottom strip?
both strips
15) Does the governor have 2 springs or 3 springs?
Don't know what this is either - sorry.
Thank you, pianogirl.
To clarify, the model number of your "Chippendale" is referred to by the "C 19" contained on the data plate. The medallion reference "250" is a carry-over from the earlier designation of this model being "C 250". Your machine is what I refer to as a "transitional" unit. As the company model designation was changed in early 1919 from the designation of "C 250" to the designation of "C 19", this earlier version of medallion was still used until the stock ran out. After that, a simpler worded medallion was used that merely stated "Diamond Disc Official Laboratory Model". The "Official Laboratory Model" medallion denoted a certain air of "high-end" for marketing purposes, and was only affixed to a few specific models of the many Diamond Disc Phonographs being marketed. There were 2 other previous versions used before the one on your C 19, making it a total of 4 different medallions, dependant on when manufactured.
From your photos, I can elaborate on some of your responses:
3) There is no pinstriping on your motor plate, this is appropriate. The earliest C 250's had gold pinstriping around the perimeter of the motor plate, that disappeared around the beginning of 1917.
6) You stated yours has 2 drawers, and I would expect that there are single record storage dividers in both drawers, and strips numbered alternately, from right to left, 1-37?
8) There is no "Duncan Stop" on yours, this feature was an electric braking mechanism that was only used on the earlier Chippendale C 250, and was discontinued around mid-1918. It can easily be identified by the unit having only one "Start/Stop" lever present, as opposed to 2 levers as yours.
11) Your grille cloth is a replacement, the original would have been either a tan or green colored cloth. Few originals survive intact.
12) Your reproducer, horn throat and other hardware were originally "Gold Plated", though there has been some loss from age, much of yours is still present.
15) The governor is located under the turntable, and would likely have "2 weights", as this was the original configuration for the device. If you wish to remove the turntable to find it (for your own information), you should let the machine run down completely, then remove the reproducer by turning the knurled collar on the horn throat clockwise, then remove the reproducer by pulling it straight out of the horn. Make sure that you place the reproducer somewhere safe with the stylus up, so as to not damage it. Then, with the brake disengaged (as for playing) you can remove the turntable by using one hand on each side of the turntable, and pulling it straight up off of the spindle.
Once removed, you'll notice several openings in the motor plate, the bottom left one exposes the governor to view. You will also notice that there are oil ports clearly indicated on the motor plate, for maintenance oiling of the various bearings, and moving parts of the motor.
You can find a PDF version manual for the Edison Disc Motor, here:
http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... f=4&t=1133. It has instructions for the care, maintenance, and repair of your Phonograph.
If you have any questions, I'll be happy to answer them as best I can.
Thank you,
Fran
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