Date estimation of Edison phonographs?

Discussions on Talking Machines & Accessories
Post Reply
phonopal
Victor Jr
Posts: 48
Joined: Fri Nov 11, 2016 7:11 pm

Date estimation of Edison phonographs?

Post by phonopal »

Hi,
For years I have wondered when exactly the Edison phonographs that I own were manufactured. Could anyone help me put a date on these machines?

Suitcase Home: H33526 (late 1900?)

Home - Model B: 343101 (late 1908?)

Standard - New Style Model A : S75402 (1901?)

Amberola 75: SM9718

Opera (oak cabinet) : 793 (early 1912?)

Thanks!

User avatar
phonogfp
Victor Monarch Special
Posts: 8172
Joined: Wed Jan 07, 2009 5:08 pm
Personal Text: "If you look for the bad in people expecting to find it, you surely will." - A. Lincoln
Location: New York's Finger Lakes

Re: Date estimation of Edison phonographs?

Post by phonogfp »

There is surviving sales data from the National Phonograph Company which can give us very close estimates on when a particular machine left the factory. This data starts in 1897 but stops after May 1908. Based on that data:

Suitcase Home: H33526 left the factory about September 1900.

Standard - New Style Model A : S75402 left the factory about December 1902.

Hope this helps,
George P.

phonopal
Victor Jr
Posts: 48
Joined: Fri Nov 11, 2016 7:11 pm

Re: Date estimation of Edison phonographs?

Post by phonopal »

Thanks for the info, George!

This is much appreciated,
Stephan

User avatar
phonogfp
Victor Monarch Special
Posts: 8172
Joined: Wed Jan 07, 2009 5:08 pm
Personal Text: "If you look for the bad in people expecting to find it, you surely will." - A. Lincoln
Location: New York's Finger Lakes

Re: Date estimation of Edison phonographs?

Post by phonogfp »

Glad to assist! :)

George P.

Post Reply