Will The Real Model S Reproducer Please Stand Up

[Zener424]

I've see three types of Edison Model S reproducers posted on sites.
Which is a small body? Which is a large body? Are they all authentic?
Look at these photos and tell me your opinion please.
Thanks,
Phil

TMF1.JPG (81.7 KiB) Viewed 1665 times

Model S 1.jpg (99.1 KiB) Viewed 1665 times

[52089]

The typical Model S is a large diaphragm reproducer intended for the "smaller" carriage that usually holds a Model C or H. It is essentially the same idea as the Model K in that it handles both 2 and 4 minute records by having 2 styluses that rotate into position as needed. The larger diaphragm is supposed to offer greater volume than the C/H/K types.

The small body Model S is a rarity seldom known even to advanced collectors, but it does appear to have been a genuine Edison product.

[rgordon939]

The S is a large body reproducer most all of which had pot metal tops. The lowest known S reproduces is SN-13330 and the highest is SN-30716. Most S reproducer had a domed top although some did have flat tops. Tops used on the S reproducer are the same as those on models R, O, and N reproducers.

The small body Model-S I sold is a rarity as has already been mentioned.

Rich Gordon

[JohnM]

The Model R is similar to the large diaphragm Model S, except the R has a dedicated 4-min sapphire stylus and bar similar to a Model H. Is there a small-bodied R that looks like an H?

[rgordon939]

I have never seen or heard of a small body Model-R.

Rich Gordon

[MTPhono]

Is the small bodied S documented anywhere?

[FellowCollector]

Is the small bodied S documented anywhere?

I've never read of a small body model S reproducer and would appreciate seeing documentation on it as well. Frow and Sefl's book indicate and picture the normal large body model S reproducer only and primarily developed for the Edison Standard model F.

I have several original model S reproducers in the collection and all have the regular factory issue large pot metal bodies.

The small body S reproducer pictured above looks ALMOST to me like a model C body with a model S tail weight installed along with a model K reproducer diaphragm with a pivoting diaphragm eyelet so that the 2/4 minute styli assembly on the tail weight can be used.

Please accept that I'm not doubting Rich Gordon's model S reproducer is original and genuine at all or that the Edison factory could and would produce a small body S reproducer.

I'm simply presenting an argument that it is POSSIBLE for someone to make one of these small body S reproducers by using a small size reproducer body (such as a model C), install a model S reproducer tail weight and styli assembly and use a model K diaphragm and wire linkage and VOILA you have a small body model S reproducer.

Doug

[Zener424]

Thanks to all for your responses. I have a better understanding now.

[rgordon939]

Doug I don’t disagree with you when you say that someone could easily make a small body Model S reproducer. The one in question was sent to Steve Medved ,who I believe is the leading authority on Edison reproducers, and he said that he believed it to be original and not something slapped together. There is no documentation of a small body Model S but I accept Steve’s findings.

Rich Gordon

[FellowCollector]

Thanks for the update, Rich! I completely trust Steve Medved's judgement and yours as well. Please accept my sincere apologies if my comments were interpreted as critical as it was not my intention.

Doug