"Salesman Sample" Edison Chippendale - a fabrication

[fran604g]

Hi folks,

Link:http://www.ebay.com/itm/142213170050?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT

This is listed as a "Salesman Sample" and is definitely an Edison Chippendale Upright; I've messaged the seller to see if they will inform me of the model and serial number.

It breaks down into what appears to be 2 sections, and has carrying handles at least on the top mechanism portion of the cabinet.

Has anyone ever seen one of these in person before?

Best,
Fran

Some images from the sellers eBAY listing:

[phonogfp]

"Salesman sample?"

This sounds like a story made up by someone who didn't know how Edison Phonographs were sold at the time. All it takes is a circular saw, a couple of hardware store handles, and you have a rare salesman sample! I think we've all seen a few of these "salesman samples" over the years...

That said, I would love to eat crow after being presented with proof that this machine really is a salesman sample!

George P.

[fran604g]

"Salesman sample?"

This sounds like a story made up by someone who didn't know how Edison Phonographs were sold at the time. All it takes is a circular saw, a couple of hardware store handles, and you have a rare salesman sample! I think we've all seen a few of these "salesman samples" over the years...

That said, I would love to eat crow after being presented with proof that this machine really is a salesman sample!

George P.

I agree 100%, George. It reminds me of another Chippendale I encountered for many months on eBay (or CL, I don't remember which), that had been cut apart in a similar fashion. It was light oak finish.

If a salesman, or dealer had actually done this for easier transport, I would expect to see an additional "top" mounted to the top of the lower cabinet section, to hold it all together. I can't tell from the photos if that is indeed the case.

Best,
Fran

[DGPros]

Maybe another clue is the record on the turntable. It doesn't jive with the sample records in the "Collector's Guide" book. Of course It could be correct, I wasn't there. :)I would be interested to know the # on the record. Can anyone make it out? I've also included an Edison sleeve (got about 2 dozen like this) That I assumed was made around the 1970's, since I've seen no prior history of sleeves like this.

Just to clarify, I BELIEVE the sleeves where a previous owners attempt to make his own Edison sleeves for protection, whereas the sample record looks to be an attempt to sell a lie. Just my opinion.

[phonogfp]

Jiminy Christmas - I didn't even notice the record on the turntable!

What the heck is that record? (Aside from possibly being the catalyst for the "salesman sample" story...?)

George P.

[DGPros]

Jiminy Christmas - I didn't even notice the record on the turntable!

What the heck is that record? (Aside from possibly being the catalyst for the "salesman sample" story...?)

George P.

It's obviously a sample record, notice the cut out, or is that pasted on portion at the bottom


PS.... I wrote the seller asking for a closer picture of the record label and or give me the # at the bottom. Maybe we can figure something out by that.

[phonogfp]

I've never seen that particular label on an Edison Sample Record. I'd love to see it close up...

George P.

[DGPros]

Well here's a sobering aspect to the story. (I am not cynical enough to believe people would stoop this low, though I know some do)I had emailed her, and asked for some closer pictures of the labels from the sample records.(it's plural in her ad) The woman emailed me back to tell me she would get some pictures to me in the next 48 hrs. She has terminal cancer and just had treatment on Monday. I will keep you updated when and if I hear anything. Gary

[fran604g]

Well here's a sobering aspect to the story. (I am not cynical enough to believe people would stoop this low, though I know some do)I had emailed her, and asked for some closer pictures of the labels from the sample records.(it's plural in her ad) The woman emailed me back to tell me she would get some pictures to me in the next 48 hrs. She has terminal cancer and just had treatment on Monday. I will keep you updated when and if I hear anything. Gary

It would be nice if you could find out the matrix number.

Best,
Fran

[billybob62]

Oh, to have been the lucky salesman schlepping that thing, in 2 parts yet, from door to door, store to store or store to door.