C250/C19 Database project

[ambrola]

Fran,
The shelves are both numbered 1 through 36 top and bottom. I can't remember if the Gov. is like the one shown, but it seems to me that it was a 3 ball Gov. I can't see it without taking it apart. It also has 426 stamped into the wood behind the grill.

[fran604g]

Fran,
The shelves are both numbered 1 through 36 top and bottom. I can't remember if the Gov. is like the one shown, but it seems to me that it was a 3 ball Gov. I can't see it without taking it apart. It also has 426 stamped into the wood behind the grill.

Thanks Ronnie,

Sorry to bother you, I'm just being an uber-geek.

All you need to do is remove the turntable and the governor can be viewed. (Remove the reproducer first, so you don't damage the stylus while removing the turntable).

The only reason that I ask is because the much later 3-spring "shock proof" governor would be very unusual if it were present.

I have a C250 with one, but it became obvious to me, through my research, that it was likely a mechanical improvement made at some point by a previous owner as an upgrade. Mine has other indications that it was an especially well cared for, and cherished Chippendale that was updated over the many years it provided entertainment for its owners.

Also, with the exception of mine, all of the other C250/C19 governors I have information for, have a typical 2 spring governor -- as was specified by John Constable at the September 1915 Edison Jobbers and Dealers Convention in his demonstration of the "new standard" diamond disc "B" Type mechanism. (Edison Phonograph Monthly -- September, 1915).

See the picture below of a typical 2 spring governor as found on the Type B "250" horn models BEFORE the advent of the Long Play models.

I have noted five different governors found on various Type B mechanisms, and I have a hunch that the governors may possibly have been slightly different for the smaller horned models.

More study on this topic is necessary for me to say conclusively that this was the case.

Fran

[fran604g]

Hi folks,

I surpassed the "300-Chippendales-recorded-mark yesterday!

...and this doesn't include the other 50 or so units (or maybe even more, I don't know; I've examined so many) that I've omitted from recording in the database because of poor images, incomplete descriptions, non-responsive emails, texts or messaging.

Also, on another front, I've been in contact with member Valecnik the past couple of days, and he graciously started me down the path of a similar project for the earlier A and B series 250 models. This is a natural extension of the research I'm already involved with for the Chippendale, so I'm looking forward to adding them to my study. I don't imagine this new project being as demanding as the prior one. Probably less than 1/10th of the amount of units were produced in comparison to the C 250 and C 19.

Look for yet another upcoming survey soon!

Best,
Fran

PS: I hope I'm not driving you all crazy...

[columbia1spring]

Here is my Edison Diamond Disc Model C-19
Mahogany. SN 165753
I have it since the 80's
No pinstriping only Edison Signature in upper right under reproducer.
Video...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtpYYe1xVT8

[fran604g]

Hi folks,

I want to thank the members that have participated in my survey!

I added another new item today (#12, shown in red below), and took the time to reword my questionnaire to help respondents avoid some of the confusion I may have created in the past.

For those of you just discovering the project, the following items are particular features and characteristics found on the Edison Chippendale C250/C19 that I'm recording in my database spreadsheet.

Please take the time to answer a few questions:

1) Model Designation on data plate? "C 250" or "C 19"

2) Serial number of unit on data plate? "SM - ??????"

3) Is there pin striping present around the outer perimeter of the motor plate? "Yes" or "No".

4) What is the shape of the "Official Laboratory" Medallion present? "Pentagonal" or "Round".

5) What is the exact wording on the medallion? (Please be precise and include all text).

6) What is the record storage? "2 Drawers" or "Shelves with slots".

7) Cabinet wood type? "Mahogany" or "Oak".

8) Is there an Electric Automatic Stop present (aka Duncan Stop)? "Yes" or "No"

9) Is there any dealer tag or decal present? Name, address, etc. and location on cabinet, please.

10) Any original sales receipts, shipping documentation, etc. (dated materials are particularly noteworthy)?

11) Is there grille cloth present? "Yes" or "No" (if present, what color and brief description if possible, please).

12) What is the "Cabinet Factory" number found on the sticker usually inside of the horn compartment of the cabinet? -And- Are there any other numbers present (i.e. Form number, etc.)?

For those respondents with C-19's ONLY :

13) Is the reproducer, horn throat, and all other hardware on the machine "Gold Plated" or "Gun-Metal" - aka "Antique" - finish? (shown below)

14) Is the record storage door held open by a rod located at the "Top", the "Center", or the "Bottom" of the door?

15) Are the numbered index strips for the record storage shelves "BOTH 1-36" - OR - "1-36 on the top strip and 37-72 on the bottom strip"?

16) Does the governor have "2 Weights" or "3 Weights"? The governor is located beneath the turntable, so it will need to be removed to see it. If you don't feel confident doing this, please ignore this question. Better safe than sorry.

If you feel confident doing this, follow my simple instructions below:

FIRST Turn the turntable speed control knob ALL THE WAY CLOCKWISE to the "OFF" position.

SECOND Remove the reproducer and place it in a safe place on its side (be careful not to bump or contact anything with the diamond stylus).

THIRD Release the brake and gently lift the turntable off of the spindle.

I will eventually be sharing all of the information I've recorded with the historical/collecting community.

If you would rather remain anonymous, instead of posting a reply on the forum, please feel free to PM me here, or you can email me at FPratt1426 (at) gmail (dot) com.

Your participation and comments are truly appreciated, thank you.

Best,
Fran

"GUN-METAL" FINISH REPRODUCER

[martinola]

Hi Fran.

Since I've got the C 19 out in the shop to fix doggie scratches on the front door (grrr!) - it seems a good time to update my data. Here 'tis:

1) Model Designation on data plate? C 19

2) Serial number of unit on data plate? SM 136969

3) Is there pin striping present around the outer perimeter of the motor plate? No

4) What is the shape of the "Official Laboratory" Medallion present? Round (replacement)

5) What is the exact wording on the medallion? replacement - currently has "Diamond Disc, Official Laboratory Model, Thos. A. Edison"

6) What is the record storage? Shelves with slots

7) Cabinet wood type? Mahogany

8) Is there an Electric Automatic Stop present (aka Duncan Stop)? No

9) Is there any dealer tag or decal present? No

10) Any original sales receipts, shipping documentation, etc. (dated materials are particularly noteworthy)? Alas, No

11) Is there grille cloth present? Grille is a replacement - currently has Maroon cloth

12) What is the "Cabinet Factory" number found on the sticker usually inside of the horn compartment of the cabinet? -And- Are there any other numbers present (i.e. Form number, etc.)? No sticker or marks

13) Is the reproducer, horn throat, and all other hardware on the machine "Gold Plated" or "Gun-Metal" - aka "Antique" - finish? Gold Plated

14) Is the record storage door held open by a rod located at the "Top", the "Center", or the "Bottom" of the door? Center

15) Are the numbered index strips for the record storage shelves "BOTH 1-36" - OR - "1-36 on the top strip and 37-72 on the bottom strip"? replacements - currently both 1-36

16) Does the governor have "2 Weights" or "3 Weights"? 2 weights

Additional info: Patent plate on front left inside of case - anodized aluminum with die cut corners (last patent date May 23, 1916), has green TT felt, reproducer serial number B46991 (thought to be original to machine), speed control knob on top of bedplate (left, rear), case finish is red mahogany (outside is refinished), machine acquired from antique shop in Healdsburg, CA in 2004 - now located in Covina, CA. 08/12/15.

Hope this helps. Congratulations on your data milestone!

Martin

[fran604g]

Thank you, Martin!

I'll add your information.

Best,
Fran

[columbia1spring]

1. Model Designation: (C-250 or C-19)

2. Serial Number: 165753

3. Bedplate Pinstriping: Y/N No

4. "Official Laboratory" Medallion: Round/Pentagonal/None Round

5. Exact Wording of the Medallion: Please be precise (Abbreviated signature, for example)
[b]" Diamond Disc Official Laboratory Model" under that His Signature

6. Record Storage: Drawers or Shelves? Vertical record slots

7. Cabinet Wood Type: Mahogany or Oak? Mahogany

8. Duncan Stop?: Y/N ???

9. Dealer Tag: Name/Address, Location On Machine

10. Original Dated Sales Receipt/Shipping Documentation, etc.: (Dates are particularly noteworthy):

11. Grille cloth? Color? Missing...

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? Gold

13) Is the record storage door held open by a rod at the top, center shelf or the bottom of the cabinet? Center Rod

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? top 1 - 36 bottom 1 - 36

15) Does the governor have 2 springs or 3 springs?

If you would rather remain anonymous, please feel free to PM me here, or you can email me at FPratt1426 (at) gmail (dot) com, instead of posting a reply.

Your participation and comments are truly appreciated, thank you,

[fran604g]

1. Model Designation: (C-250 or C-19)

2. Serial Number: 165753

3. Bedplate Pinstriping: Y/N No

4. "Official Laboratory" Medallion: Round/Pentagonal/None Round

5. Exact Wording of the Medallion: Please be precise (Abbreviated signature, for example)
[b]" Diamond Disc Official Laboratory Model" under that His Signature

6. Record Storage: Drawers or Shelves? Vertical record slots

7. Cabinet Wood Type: Mahogany or Oak? Mahogany

8. Duncan Stop?: Y/N ???

9. Dealer Tag: Name/Address, Location On Machine

10. Original Dated Sales Receipt/Shipping Documentation, etc.: (Dates are particularly noteworthy):

11. Grille cloth? Color? Missing...

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? Gold

13) Is the record storage door held open by a rod at the top, center shelf or the bottom of the cabinet? Center Rod

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? top 1 - 36 bottom 1 - 36

15) Does the governor have 2 springs or 3 springs?

If you would rather remain anonymous, please feel free to PM me here, or you can email me at FPratt1426 (at) gmail (dot) com, instead of posting a reply.

Your participation and comments are truly appreciated, thank you,

Thank you so very much!

I have added your information to the database.

Best,
Fran

[BwanaJoe]

I found this one in Raleigh. The taf says C19 but it is the 250 cabinet. It is listed as a 250 as well.

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/atq/5140130139.html