Standard questions

[danohallaron]

Setting up my newly acquired Mahogany Standard has led to some research. Never spent much time on Standards, other than buying a few early in my collecting. But they are really quite interesting. The development seems similar to the changes over time to the Spring Motor/Triumph and various versions of the Home.

Note: I do not own the below pictured machine. Just trying to figure out what it is. The serial # seems way too early for the case. I'm going out on a limb, because I'm not positive. But the one in these photos appears to be a 4 clip A with a later carriage. Should it have originally been in a 4-clip case with an automatic reproducer? Are the bedplates the same size as with the later cases? Are the corners drilled out, if so? Nothing but questions lol. The serial #, shown clearly on the straight edge is S69258-so pretty early. Thoughts?

[ChuckA]

It sure looks like a regular oak case to me.

I guess in the universe of 800,000+ Standards made you could say it's early.


Chuck

[danohallaron]

I don't own this oak banner. Just trying to figure it out.

[ChuckA]

Why not post picture of the one you're working on?

Might get better info that way.

Chuck

[danohallaron]

Thanks, Chuck. I have no questions on the Mahogany one and there is another post with pictures, previously posted. My work on that has led me to research Standards. Though I have a collection of 30 Triumphs/Operas/Concerts, I never much looked at Standards. I have read Frow's section on Standards and Martin's writeup. The pictured machine seems to have too early of a SN for the case. I'm just trying to figure out what it is.

[danohallaron]

Here's my new one.

[phonogfp]

Again, referring to the APS magazine would answer many questions...

Standard #69258 left the factory in November 1902. The "New Style" cabinets were introduced in early 1901. The pictured Standard looks perfectly legit. The illustrated article on Edison Standards (with serial dating chart) appeared in the December 2023 issue.

George P.

[danohallaron]

Thanks George. I'm familiar with that resource. Maybe I'm reading Martin's paper wrong:

"The last version of the Edison Standard Model ‘A’, is what I call the “New Style”. In 1901, the Edison
Company re-designed its existing models. No doubt, this was an effort to make the machines look less like
coffee grinders and be more appropriate for the parlor. One might also hear this referred to as the “green oak
Standard. This model was a complete re-design of the Standard. The case & domed lid with its green oak finish more
closely resembled sewing machine cases. The lid moulding started as two smoothed curves and then morphed
into the more familiar profile with the beaded top edge. This is something i realized rather late in the game, so
my early notes don’t reflect what kind of moulding the cases had. The transition was fairly gradual (with
examples as early as serial number 111099) and was mostly accomplished by the 160,000s. The front of the
case carried the varnish transfer (decal) generally known as “the banner decal”. The bedplate was supported by
a wooden frame and attached by 4 (and later 3) screws."

"With examples as early as serial number 111099" led me to believe the new case serial numbers started there, making a machine in the #69k earlier. Apparently, he is referring to the lid trim.

[kiwiatlarge]

Again, referring to the APS magazine would answer many questions...

Standard #69258 left the factory in November 1902. The "New Style" cabinets were introduced in early 1901. The pictured Standard looks perfectly legit. The illustrated article on Edison Standards (with serial dating chart) appeared in the December 2023 issue.

George P.

Hi George,

I have a dumb question. Is there an index to the APS Magazine? I find it really challenging to find articles in past editions unless you or some other member mentions it exists and gives the year and month. The search function on the APS site is too hit or miss unless I'm not using it correctly.

Best

Michael

[phonogfp]

Hi Michael,

Yes, there’s a Topic Index which shows virtually everything that has been discussed in the APS magazine since its inception in March 2004. It's well-hidden in the website, so I'll offer directions below. It's easy to find if you know where to look...but I had to ask. Anyway, even long-time members may be surprised with the vast archive of information available at their fingertips!

Just go to the APS website ( https://www.antiquephono.org/#/ ), and click on MEMBER RESOURCES / LIBRARY CATALOG / INDEX (one of those 9 Clickable Boxes). This is a clickable link to download an Excel Sheet to search the Sherman / Paul APS Publication Topic Index. I use this not only to search for topics I remember being covered in the magazine, but also to stumble across topics that I forgot were there! With over 80 issues and hundreds of articles, it’s tough to remember everything that has been covered.

Best of all, members can just type in which particular magazine issue (for instance, June, 2013) they wish to see into the search bar, and Boom – the article you seek is right there.

I hope this helps.

George