Manufacture Year of Edison Standard Phonograph Model A

[phyi9530]

Hi all, I acquired an Edison Standard Phonograph Model A with a serial number S202344. The inside of the lid is greener, and I suspect that it's actually green oak. Would a guess of age of around 1903 reasonable? Have attached some photos for reference.

The motor spins but with quite some noises. Upon some basic checking, I find that the grease of the gears has dried up and the spring is actually housed in an open barrel. I wonder if I should apply oils and grease to the gears and shafts of the motor like how we usually do to gramophone motors? Should I also apply grease into the spring barrel as the spring is also quite dry and is bumping while unwinding itself?

Thank you so much.

[phonogfp]

According to Edison sales records, Standard #202344 left the factory in March 1905. An article with dating chart on all models of the Edison Standard (A-G) appeared in the December 2023 issue of the Antique Phonograph Society quarterly magazine.

Among the several free articles on the Antique Phonograph Society website is this one, which may be helpful to you:

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

George P.