Amberola identification

[Gramtastic]

Hi,
As we don't see many of these in the UK I am not sure what model this is ? Please will you let me know what it is and the approximate date .
Thanks

[phonogfp]

That's an Amberola 50. Introduced in 1915, but sold into the mid-1920s. This example is probably from the late teens, but I'm surprised that there's no data plate somewhere on/in it.

George P.

[Gramtastic]

Thanks George - where should the data plate be ?

[phonogal]

It may be on the inside side of the lid. I missed the one on my amberola when I got it. Jan

[Jerry B.]

If you don't see any evidence of an ID tag on the inside of the lid, pop out the grill and look to the right of the horn. Jerry

[FloridaClay]

The ID plate on my 50 is at the front of the left side of the inside of the lid as you face the machine. It is mounted with 2 screws. If there is no plate on yours, do you see 2 small screw holes in that area?

Clay

[NEFaurora]

Yes, That appears to be a 3rd Series Amberola 50 (no external speed control, no ID Plate on Bedplate). It should have the later Brass/Copper ID plate located under the top left side of the lid. If the original ID plate is gone, the original holes for the id plate should still be there. Judging by the pics and setup of the machine, It was most likely produced 1918 or later. If you can show a pic of the ID plate, We can narrow down the production year a bit more accurately. Also, A better close-up pic of the rear of the bedplate (right behind the madrel) will help also narrow it down also.

)

Tony K.

Edison Collector/Restorer

[Gramtastic]

Thanks Tony,
I am waiting for the machine to arrive - when it does I will post the pictures.

[Gramtastic]

Hi, I now have the machine and the label says SM 42790. The last patent date is 1918. Can anyone give an exact date from this number ?
Thanks !

[NEFaurora]

Yes Gramtastic, It's definately a 3rd Series Amberola 50 (no external speed control, no ID Plate on Bedplate). Judging by its serial number, It's a very late Amberola 50 and I cannot give an exact date as Edison Amberola 50 published production numbers from Frow are sporadic. I would be making an "educated guess", but I would say it was made anywhere from 1920 to 1925. I am sorry that I cannot narrow it down much further. A better exact year/month is hard to determine without more production data. More data is found from time to time, so hopefully someday more Amberola production data will be found and made available.

Tony K.

Edison Collector/Restorer