Seeking information on an Edison "ICS" Standard...

[De Soto Frank]

Greetings all !

I am trying to help our local historical society identify some talking machines in their collection, and help them find more information about them.

One of the machines is an Edison Standard "International Correspondence Schools" machine, presumably used for their Language Study Course.

It appears to be a 2-minute "tall cabinet" B, with the "banner" decal, end-gate, flat-strap threaded crank, model C reproducer with glass diaphragm, lever-type carriage lift, knob-type speed control above the bed-plate, and the single-line "tufts of grass" striping. It is equipped with the ICS-style repeater mechanism.

Serial number is: S 290305

General condition is Good, finish is somewhat dry, cabinet lid is missing. Celluloid "ICS" tag is missing (tacks and one corner fragment are still there). Motor runs, needs belt, reproducer could probably use an overhaul.

Questions:

> When would this machine have left the factory ?

> Would it have been shipped with listening tubes or a horn ?

> Were these ICS models shipped in lots to ICS in Scranton for further distribution to course subscribers?

> When did Edison cease production of the ICS machines ?

> Is there anyone that does ( or could ) reproduce the celluloid tag that ICS affixed to the front of the cabinet, just above the bottom moulding?

> Approximate market value ? (let's assume playing condition with serviceable reproducer, no lid)


Will try to include some pictures, once I can figure out how to export them from my smarty-fone.


My goal is to help provide the historical society with information, so that they have a better understanding of what they have, and can make informed decisions about how the artifact fits-in with their collection and mission. I am volunteering my efforts, and am not angling to acquire any of their machines...

Thanks for any help you can provide !

Best Regards,

Frank McMullen

[phonogfp]

> When would this machine have left the factory ?

Edison Standard No.290305 left the factory in March 1906.

> Would it have been shipped with listening tubes or a horn ?

Listening tubes.

> Were these ICS models shipped in lots to ICS in Scranton for further distribution to course subscribers?

Yes.

> When did Edison cease production of the ICS machines ?

According to Frow's Edison Cylinder Phonograph Companion, the I.C.S. Standard was replaced by the Gem in February 1910 (which included a small conical horn along with listening tubes). By the summer of 1915, the I.C.S. was asking for the Amberola 30 to be made available suitably equipped for language study. By December 1915, the first of these ICS Amberola 30s were ready, and were available until at least April 1927.

Hope this helps.

George P.

[De Soto Frank]

George,

Very helpful !

Thank you so much !


Frank

[martinola]

> When did Edison cease production of the ICS machines ?

According to Frow's Edison Cylinder Phonograph Companion, the I.C.S. Standard was replaced by the Gem in February 1910 (which included a small conical horn along with listening tubes). By the summer of 1915, the I.C.S. was asking for the Amberola 30 to be made available suitably equipped for language study.

I think Frow may be a bit off on the replacement of the Standard. The highest serial numbers available in the Standard belong to ICS machines which probably date to late 1913 or early 1914 at least.

I can certainly believe that the ICS Gem became available in 1910, but I think the end dates aren't so clean cut. Just muddying the waters a bit...

Martin

[tomb]

> When did Edison cease production of the ICS machines ?

According to Frow's Edison Cylinder Phonograph Companion, the I.C.S. Standard was replaced by the Gem in February 1910 (which included a small conical horn along with listening tubes). By the summer of 1915, the I.C.S. was asking for the Amberola 30 to be made available suitably equipped for language study.

I think Frow may be a bit off on the replacement of the Standard. The highest serial numbers available in the Standard belong to ICS machines which probably date to late 1913 or early 1914 at least.

I can certainly believe that the ICS Gem became available in 1910, but I think the end dates aren't so clean cut. Just muddying the waters a bit...

Martin

A few years ago I purchased a ICS standard which was produced as one of there last run of serial numbers. I think Edison cobbled together ICS phonographs till the final production of the standards . Mine would have been a D.E. or F phonograph otherwise. He must have made money off of there production and licensing as it continued thru his other styles like the Amberolas. They are nice phonographs restored. The tag is a little hard to find. I have not seen a reproduction but it may be out there. Maybe a wanted add in the forum may produce one. Tom

[Lucius1958]

Greetings all !

I am trying to help our local historical society identify some talking machines in their collection, and help them find more information about them.

One of the machines is an Edison Standard "International Correspondence Schools" machine, presumably used for their Language Study Course.

It appears to be a 2-minute "tall cabinet" B, with the "banner" decal, end-gate, flat-strap threaded crank, model C reproducer with glass diaphragm, lever-type carriage lift, knob-type speed control above the bed-plate, and the single-line "tufts of grass" striping. It is equipped with the ICS-style repeater mechanism.

Serial number is: S 290305

General condition is Good, finish is somewhat dry, cabinet lid is missing. Celluloid "ICS" tag is missing (tacks and one corner fragment are still there). Motor runs, needs belt, reproducer could probably use an overhaul.

Questions:

> When would this machine have left the factory ?

> Would it have been shipped with listening tubes or a horn ?

> Were these ICS models shipped in lots to ICS in Scranton for further distribution to course subscribers?

> When did Edison cease production of the ICS machines ?

> Is there anyone that does ( or could ) reproduce the celluloid tag that ICS affixed to the front of the cabinet, just above the bottom moulding?

> Approximate market value ? (let's assume playing condition with serviceable reproducer, no lid)


Will try to include some pictures, once I can figure out how to export them from my smarty-fone.


My goal is to help provide the historical society with information, so that they have a better understanding of what they have, and can make informed decisions about how the artifact fits-in with their collection and mission. I am volunteering my efforts, and am not angling to acquire any of their machines...

Thanks for any help you can provide !

Best Regards,

Frank McMullen

The Standard I have (#281792) is badged ITC rather than ICS, but is otherwise identical. When I was given it by a descendent of the original owner, it had an original 14 inch black-and-brass horn with it.

As for reproducing the tag: do you have the original celluloid? If not, you might try a piano/reed organ restorer: they usually have old celluloid key slips which you can cut to size. For the lettering, consult Gregg Cline, who can produce a good replica decal: he did an excellent job with the Edisonia Co. tag for my Triumph.

Bill

[Jerry B.]

Is there anyone that does ( or could ) reproduce the celluloid tag that ICS affixed to the front of the cabinet, just above the bottom moulding?

I could be mistaken but I think Gregg Cline makes a transfer for ICS tag. All you'd need is a bit of celluloid and one of his decals.

Jerry Blais

[De Soto Frank]

Thanks all, for the replies !


I will check with Greg Cline for an ICS decal.


Are there any sources for repro listening tubes ?


Thanks !

[phonogfp]

Are there any sources for repro listening tubes ?


Thanks !

Yes, I can supply you with a set of repro listening tubes. $40 + $8 Priority Mail shipping. Pm me if interested.

George P.

[tomb]

Were all the ICS machines furnished with listening tubes till the end of production or was there a ending date on the tubes ? Were they like an option on other Edison's ICS phonographs after the model B ? It seems they were basically discontinued as standard equipment during the model B time. George the price is good on the listening tubes . I will need a few more for my ICS phonographs if they were used on the later machines. Tom