New member, “new” Standard

[mrbechet]

Hi all, newbie here looking to learn what I can.

I’m assuming this is a Standard Model A (S86682). I got it running last night and am planning to clean it up. Any help and guidance is appreciated!

Mark

[phonogfp]

Welcome!

Your machine is indeed an Edison Standard Model A. It looks like it will clean up nicely.

The Antique Phonograph Society has a number of free articles on its website. Just click on the "Introductory Articles" button near the top, and you'll see a 2-page Table of Contents:

https://www.antiquephono.org/#/collectiondetails/16

This article may be especially helpful: https://www.antiquephono.org/#/collectiondetails/16

APS members receive a quarterly 60-page, full-color magazine full of interesting articles. The next issue (December 2023) will have an article on the Edison Standards (Models A-G) including a graph which will allow owners to date their machines to the month and year, up to and including May 1908.

Best of luck with your Standard - they're great machines!

George P.

[AmberolaAndy]

Welcome!

Your machine is indeed an Edison Standard Model A. It looks like it will clean up nicely.

The Antique Phonograph Society has a number of free articles on its website. Just click on the "Introductory Articles" button near the top, and you'll see a 2-page Table of Contents:

https://www.antiquephono.org/#/collectiondetails/16

This article may be especially helpful: https://www.antiquephono.org/#/collectiondetails/16

APS members receive a quarterly 60-page, full-color magazine full of interesting articles. The next issue (December 2023) will have an article on the Edison Standards (Models A-G) including a graph which will allow owners to date their machines to the month and year, up to and including May 1908.

Best of luck with your Standard - they're great machines!

George P.

looking at the Serial number is February 1903 a good guesstimate for when it left the factory?

[phonogfp]

looking at the Serial number is February 1903 a good guesstimate for when it left the factory?

You're close, Andy. I've been posting too many of these online over the years!

Standard #86682 left the factory in March 1903.

George P.

[AmberolaAndy]

looking at the Serial number is February 1903 a good guesstimate for when it left the factory?

You're close, Andy. I've been posting too many of these online over the years!

Standard #86682 left the factory in March 1903.

George P.

Ok a little earlier in the month than mine!

[mrbechet]

Got it working, including @crank_it_up’s 2/4 conversion kit. I’ll decide on how to handle painting / finishing the bedplate once it warms up and I can spray paint outdoors.

IMG_2071.mov

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[JerryVan]

Got it working, including @crank_it_up’s 2/4 conversion kit. I’ll decide on how to handle painting / finishing the bedplate once it warms up and I can spray paint outdoors.

IMG_2071.mov

I would really encourage you to reconsider repainting the bed plate. I suggest you first do your best to clean & polish what's there. You could then re-stripe as needed. An imperfect original finish is far preferred over a repaint. However, I realize the machine is yours and subject to your desires. You have a very nice example.

[mrbechet]

Thanks for your advice. I’m definitely hesitant to repaint it black and cover anything up. My sense is that a machine like this needs to show its age, but i lost a lot of the pinstriping and want to replace that and cover it with shellac, if that’s possible. I’ve read they were hand-striped, so I feel a bit better about doing that.

Other than that, new feet, belting, a handle bolt, and rubber washers, it’s all original. I got a lucky find.

[JerryVan]

Thanks for your advice. I’m definitely hesitant to repaint it black and cover anything up. My sense is that a machine like this needs to show its age, but i lost a lot of the pinstriping and want to replace that and cover it with shellac, if that’s possible. I’ve read they were hand-striped, so I feel a bit better about doing that.

Other than that, new feet, belting, a handle bolt, and rubber washers, it’s all original. I got a lucky find.

Here's what many of us use for re-striping. Careful application and an overcoat of shellac can produce a great result.

https://www.phonodecal.com/shop/phonogr ... b-bedplate

https://www.phonodecal.com/blog/how-to-apply-decals