Edison B19 Serial Number Question

[toysbyroy]

I just acquired an Edison "Chalet" model B19. The Serial # shows "SM-------7". Does this indicate a very early model (due to the low number)? Thanks, Roy

[fran604g]

I just acquired an Edison "Chalet" model B19. The Serial # shows "SM-------7". Does this indicate a very early model (due to the low number)? Thanks, Roy

It would. Can you post a clear image of the machine and dataplate, please?

Best,
Fran

[toysbyroy]

Fran, here are 2 pics. Hope you can see the data plate. Thanks, Roy

[fran604g]

Thanks Roy, that's pretty extraordinary, and a beautiful example to boot! Congratulations on acquiring what could be the earliest known example of an Edison B19. I think it might even be appropriate to call it by its first appellation: The Bungalow, if what George Frow insinuated as The Bungalow Model having been released in February is true. I'm assuming production would've been begun pre-April 1919 - and he stated that by mid-April the name had been officially changed to the Chalet.

Very nice,
Fran

[fran604g]

I wonder if I could ask you to check and see if the Factory No. sticker is still intact inside the horn compartment right sidewall of the cabinet?

Thank you,
Fran

[toysbyroy]

No stickers that I can find. I'm excited about the possibilities, though!

[fran604g]

Thank you! The area where the chalk "X" is, is where I'd expect to see it if there was one. The sticker of mine actually had come off and was lying tattered in pieces in the bottom, if I remember correctly. It's possible that it may never had one, as yours is so early. It's nice yours has the presumably original reproducer shipping cradle still intact!

Best,
Fran

[toysbyroy]

I appreciate all the info. One last question: what do you think my B19 is worth? I need to find a good home for it. Thanks again, Roy

[fran604g]

I appreciate all the info. One last question: what do you think my B19 is worth? I need to find a good home for it. Thanks again, Roy

That's a tough question. I tried selling one in 2018, listed in the yankee trader at $250 iirc, with no interest other than someone wanting the reproducer. I kept it. I would expect yours to be more valuable because of it being the earliest known example, and it's in much better condition than mine.

I'd hope somewhere north of $300-400, but unfortunately they just aren't that scarce, popular or valuable from what I've observed over the last 3 or 4 years noting sales of the B19 on eBAY, in particular. That being said, I have a couple recorded that presumably sold for ~$500 though.

Best of luck,
Fran

[52089]

I appreciate all the info. One last question: what do you think my B19 is worth? I need to find a good home for it. Thanks again, Roy

I sold my B-19, which was in the harder-to-find "naturel" finish, for $250 about 5 years ago. Had it been the "rouge" finish like yours, I would probably have been happy with $200 or so. Of course with that low a serial number, yours will earn a bit of a premium over a "regular" machine.