Identification Help

[Mike Stalzer]

Hello! I recently found a bunch of phonograph parts while cleaning out my basement, and I'm having trouble identifying a couple of the pieces. I'm not a collector myself, so I'm hoping that one of you might be able to help me.

I know this is a recorder or a reproducer of some kind, but I'm not sure which and I don't know the make or model. The serial number is "J131"

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg99 ... CN1643.jpg
http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg99 ... CN1627.jpg
http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg99 ... CN1634.jpg

This looks like it is used for volume control, but again, I'm not really sure what it's from.

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg99 ... CN1635.jpg
http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg99 ... CN1640.jpg

Thank you for any help you can provide!

[gramophoneshane]

Both pieces appear to be off an Edison Ediphone dictating machine.
The reproducer is from the secretary model, and only reproduces the recording.
The other part is a volume control, and is very similar in design to my Columbia Dictaphone version, so I'm guessing yours is the Edison version too. These too were used on the secretary model, and rubber tubing ran off the narrow outlet to a pair of headphones.
The volume control will fit any Edison phonograph reproducer, and they're actually quite a handy gadget to have (if you also have headphones or listening tubes. I've used mine on rare occasions when I've wanted to play cylinders in the wee hours of the morning, and without the volume control, regular pre-recorded cylinders would almost make your ears bleed they're so loud.

[Mike Stalzer]

Thank you again!