Help with plate example pictures

[martinola]

Hi Folks!

I'm looking to complete a Spotter's Guide to the Edison Standard Phonograph. I'd like to have a complete set of example photos of the different patent plates. There seem to be nine types of plates and I still need photos of the two rarest types. I wanted to see if any of you out there might have these plate types and are able to help me with photos. I'm not sure if the resulting Guide will be part of an online reference or published otherwise, but any assistance will be greatly appreciated and all photos credited.

The first one I need (type 3) is found on Standard A 4 clip machines around 36,000 - 42,000 (there are some earlier and later serial numbers out there). This plate was the first patent plate to carry the actual serial number stamped into it. Here is what it looks like:

Temp_style3.jpg (190.86 KiB) Viewed 1640 times

The second one (type 9) was used very late. It is the only one that references "Thomas A. Edison, Inc." This is what it looks like:

If possible I need a clear, sharp photo taken from straight on with mandrel or feedscrew removed. Thanks for your help!

- Martin

[clevelander]

Martin,
I have attached a couple of photos of a 4 clip Standard No. 58695. I had not realised how difficult it was to get a decent photo of a shiny plate!. I might try again tomorrow in the daylight.
I also have a Standard Model E serial 808347, later than your example. but with the usual Et al, not Inc after Edison.
Let me know if you want any more.
Regards,
Alistair.

[martinola]

Thank you Alistair!

These photos will be fine for the type 3 plate. Please let me know either here or by PM how you'd like to be credited.

The last plate style doesn't necessarily show up on the highest serial numbers. My thinking is that they were ordered at or after the very end of production when machines were being re-purposed in an attempt to clear out final stocks (ie: model C converted to D, etc.).

Very often a converted machine would have the original model type X'd out with the re-configured type punched next to it. My theory is that these late plates were used when these converted machines were converted once more before shipment. The serial numbers on these late plates are sprinkled all over the place starting around the 790,000s to the end of production.

Thanks again!

EDIT: PS - can you give me the plate measurement? Thnks - M.
Martin

[clevelander]

Martin,
I'll try again tomorrow in the daylight and see if I can get a better photo. The problem with them is that, being shiny, if you try and get a square-on shot you can see a reflection.
Re the Xd out plates. I have a Standard F which has the original D Xd out.
One thing about Edison was he wasted nothing!.
The plate measures 4" x 1 ¾"
Regards,
Alistair.

[clevelander]

Martin,
Here are two more taken in daylight. See which one best suits.
My name by the way is Alistair Sandilands.
All the best,
Alistair.

[martinola]

Thank you, Alistair!
I would have been happy with the first set of photos, but these new ones are great! That leaves just one more plate example. Anybody out there have one? It would also be great if any of our world-wide members has an "Edison Bell" plate from a pre-1903 Standard they'd like to contribute . Anyway, thanks Alistair and everybody else for your help!
- Martin

[clevelander]

Martin,
I have a few Edison Bell machines. I will see what I can do tomorrow.
Cheers,
Alistair.

[clevelander]

Martin,
I have posted two photos of the Edison Bell aluminium plates. They differ slightly with one stating type two.
Size of both is 3" x 1 ⅛"
Regards,
Alistair.

[martinola]

Thanks again Alistair!

Am I right in saying that the top E-B is on a Model A in a New style case and that the bottom E-B is on a squaretop Model A (2 or 4 clip case)? I've seen the "Type 2" plate before, but I haven't seen the other one. I take it that the not "type 2" is earlier? Or am I so wrong that I should think of collecting tiddlywinks instead?
Thanks again for your help!


To everybody else; how 'bout plate #9? C'mon - you know you love taking pictures!

Regards to you all,

- Martin

[clevelander]

Martin,
Both plates are from two-clip square box Standards.
The Type 2 has a serial No. of S9862, and the other No. S12906.
I thought I had a New Style Standard with an EB plate, but I can't find it.
Tiddlywinks beckons!
Best regards,
Alistair.