Original Record Storage Albums for the Edison Amberola III

[victorIIvictor]

George P wrote, "I can't explain the reference to 24 records."

Perhaps this explains it. The diameter of the dark blue Blue Amberol cylinder container* is 2 ¾ inches. 4 X 2 ¾ = 11 inches. 6 X 2 ¾ = 16 ½ inches. 11 X 16 ½ inches is roughly the dimensions of storage album mentioned in the July, 1913 Edison Phonograph Monthly. Therefore, these albums must have held 4 X 6 = 24 dark blue Blue Amberol cylinder containers.

By contrast, Bruce's album clearly holds 30 dark blue Blue Amberol cylinder containers. Again using the diameter of the dark blue Blue Amberol cylinder container as a guide, the interior of Bruce's album is at least 13 ¾ inches X 16 ½ inches (and certainly more, since the containers are not jammed right up next to each other). Bruce's set certainly fits his Amberola III nicely.

I wonder if the cylinder record albums shown in the July, 1913 article were actually ever produced.

Best wishes, Mark (and please correct my math, and my assumptions, if I am off base)

*Note that I specify dark blue Blue Amberol cylinder containers because that's the only kind I have at hand to measure. I don't have the orange labeled ones, and don't want to assume they are the same diameter.

[Yamaphone]

The Edison description of the albums seems to suggest that the records were held in the album without their individual boxes. That would probably involve pegs which would explain why only 24 records fit in the album. (You need a little clearance around each record to be able to get hold of the record.)
In the November 1913 EPM on page 11, an Amberola III can be seen in a dealer's shop. This Amberola III shows the albums that look like two books side by side-just like the announcement description and looks great with them.
I still think that this project is a feasible one but that more research needs to be done to determine what they need to look like.
In response to a few issues brought up concerning these albums, I would make sure that before I offered the albums for sale that they would be very accurate reproductions in all respects and that I would have actual samples for view prior to any sales. Adequate packaging would be provided as well.
The offer to supply an original album for study is a very generous one for the benefit of all collectors interested in reproductions.

Dan Zalewski

[phonogfp]

The Edison description of the albums seems to suggest that the records were held in the album without their individual boxes. That would probably involve pegs which would explain why only 24 records fit in the album. (You need a little clearance around each record to be able to get hold of the record.)

The albums shown on page 126 of Antique Phonograph Gadgets, Gizmos, and Gimmicks never had pegs in them; they were designed to make use of the original record containers. This can be seen in one of the photos on the page.

I still think that this project is a feasible one but that more research needs to be done to determine what they need to look like.

I agree - - it's a worthy project and certainly doable. I personally don't much care if the dimensions given in the EPM article would accommodate 24 or 30 records. As long as the albums appear as shown in the EPM illustration and/or the photos in Gadgets, I'd be happy. I have full confidence that Dan could fabricate these albums to everyone's satisfaction.

George P.

[Yamaphone]

Thanks for the vote of confidence, George. I would like to take this project further. I think albums can be made to look like the one described in the EPM.
If anyone knows of an original album,(the type with the Edison lettering,) It would be most helpful to have access to it or some photos of it. I live about 90 miles north of New York City and would travel a reasonable distance to be able to take measurements and photograph it. Photographs alone would be almost as good.
Any help that anyone can provide would be greatly appreciated by myself and I am sure by many others.
Thanks,
Dan Zalewski

[rgordon939]

Just following up to see if anyone has had the albums made or is planing on going so. I'm sure there are a bunch of us that would be willing g to buy a set.

Rich

[NEFaurora]

Yes, The cylinder boxes are truly rare. You made the right deal.. It was meant to be!

It looks as if each cylinder tube is held in place by four rectangular raised protruding looking "fingers"..probably felt covered if I was to guess..

)

Tony K.

Edison Collector/Restorer

[Wagnerian]

It now being 5 years since the main point of this thread was last active, I was just wondering if anything had become of the offer to manufacture reproduction reproduction record albums?

If so, I would still be in the market for three of them or does anyone know of any potential alternative source?

All the best

Tim W-W

[JimN]

I had an Amberola III for about 35 years. I never understood why it had a single shelf, which couldn't hold many records. Those pics of the albums make it clear.

Jim Nichol

[NEFaurora]

I, too would be interested in some Reproduction boxes.

One thing that I've always wondered was the A-100 Moderne model supposed to have these as well...??? or No?? or just Optional...?? Do they even fit the A-100 ??!??? I would "Assume" they do...

Anyone know?!??

Tony K.

Edison Collector/Restorer

)

[drh]

I, too would be interested in some Reproduction boxes.

One thing that I've always wondered was the A-100 Moderne model supposed to have these as well...??? or No?? or just Optional...?? Do they even fit the A-100 ??!??? I would "Assume" they do...

Anyone know?!??

Tony K.

Edison Collector/Restorer

)

There was a quite handsome wooden storage box that fit the A-100; curiously, it doesn't fit the A-150. That came with a set of six wood and cardboard albums all its own. I don't know if those were also offered for the A-100. I've been trying to assemble a set for some years; thanks to recent luck on eBay, I'm down to needing one more, at which point I can retire the Victor boxes that had been serving instead. The photos show my A-150 with the albums I've managed to assemble so far and a broken-legged A-100 with its box, a picture from the Web (not mine).

[edit] Yes, when they turn up, the A-150 albums, like most Edison paper products I've encountered, usually are at least kinda ratty.