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Identification help re: Edison cylinder model

Posted: Thu Aug 03, 2017 11:16 am
by Nick Charles
I've run across an Edison cylinder machine, but being new to cylinder machines I have some questions about it. I've attached pictures to help with identification. First, from the plate, there is a patent date of May 23, 1916 at the end. Yet, it has a ten-panel morning glory horn. I've also a question about the horn support as it does not look right. My knowledge on these machines is limited. Any help provided on it's identification is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Re: Identification help re: Edison cylinder model

Posted: Thu Aug 03, 2017 11:20 am
by HisMastersVoice
Looks like an Edison Standard Model B to me. The data plate is not from that machine, it's from a Diamond Disc machine. Is that actually attached to the cylinder machine??

Re: Identification help re: Edison cylinder model

Posted: Thu Aug 03, 2017 11:32 am
by Nick Charles
Yes, the plate is attached. Now I understand my confusion. Why would anyone do that, I ask rhetorically?

Re: Identification help re: Edison cylinder model

Posted: Thu Aug 03, 2017 12:03 pm
by Valecnik
And that DD data plate if from an Italian Umbrian, with a low serial no. 219, a very rarely seen machine.

Re: Identification help re: Edison cylinder model

Posted: Thu Aug 03, 2017 11:09 pm
by marcapra
I actually saw an Edison Italian Umbrian console once. Due to its rarity, I wish I had bought it!

Re: Identification help re: Edison cylinder model

Posted: Tue Aug 08, 2017 6:51 am
by NEFaurora
It looks like the Serial number on the incorrect Diamond Disc dataplate was #221, not #219.

The Phonograph is indeed a Edison Model "B" Standard phonograph made in the 1906-1907 timeframe. There is the original Dataplate to the machine still on the top bedplate. If you can take a picture of it and post it here, we can narrow down the actual manufacturing date even more accurately. If I were you, I would just remove the incorrect Diamond Disc dataplate and clean up and enjoy the machine. Other than having an incorrect extra dataplate, the machine looks to be in very good condition and worth buying. How much are they asking for it? I figure that it's worth in the $250-$300 range on the street as-is. A nice cleaning and tuning of the machine would go a long way...to improving it's appearance and performance, and overall value.

Tony K.


Edison Collector/Restorer

Re: Identification help re: Edison cylinder model

Posted: Tue Aug 08, 2017 7:20 am
by edisonphonoworks
It looks like it has the gear cover, meaning it is a two minute only machine and can't play the four minute Blue Amberol, Unless I am missing something. It is an Edison Standard B machine.

Re: Identification help re: Edison cylinder model

Posted: Tue Aug 08, 2017 11:55 am
by Nick Charles
The fellow who is selling it is asking $395. The ID plate mentioned is mostly covered with what appears to be a melted black substance not easily removed so further identification is not possible.

Re: Identification help re: Edison cylinder model

Posted: Fri Aug 11, 2017 12:08 am
by tomb
HisMastersVoice wrote:Looks like an Edison Standard Model B to me. The data plate is not from that machine, it's from a Diamond Disc machine. Is that actually attached to the cylinder machine??
There looks to be two data plates on this machine .. The gold colored one goes to entirely different machine. The black plate attached to the bed plate is the one that goes with the machine. I appears as stated above to be an Edison standard B machine. They are work horses but as it is set up can only play two minute cylinders. You can add an attachment to it at $ 150.00 that will enhance the machine so it can play both 2 and 4 minute cylinders. The crane will need some work too and I can not tell how it will work . The crane part attached to the machine seems incorrect. Again if you wanted to use the crane it will take some parts. You can add a 14 in horn to it for a reasonable ptice and it should work fine till you get the new parts, Tom B

Re: Identification help re: Edison cylinder model

Posted: Wed Aug 16, 2017 8:03 am
by NEFaurora
Just to clarify, The $250-$300 street value of the machine is for the machine only.. If the horn and the crane in the picture are also included, That's at least another $130.00, so the $395 is not a bad asking price if the horn and crane are included as well in the deal.

Tony K.

Edison Collector/Restorer