Edison Standard A - date and approx value ?

[De Soto Frank]

I stopped at a local downtown antique store on my way back to work from Lunch today.

I'm friendly with the store owner, though his prices & stock are usually beyond my means.

However, today I found he has an Edison Standard A ( 2 minute only ),
s/n S 2803xx, banner decal, knob end-gate.

Included with the machine is a "Standard Metal Horn Co." brass horn, approx 30" long x 18" across bell.( No crane)

Condition:

Horn - some wrinkles around rim of bell, very oxidized ( dull brown ), but no green or white corrosion, no rust around edge of bell where brass is rolled-over wire bead.

Machine: very dirty, some finish loss (Golden Oak ?), nickel dull but intact, motor runs, needs belt. Edison C reproducer ( original ). Black Japan decent, striping intact ( "sunburst" at corners, not "loopy filigree" ).

It is being sold on consignment, asking $350.

Now, I will see if here is wiggle-room, but if not, is this a fairly reasonable price for the combo ?

[martinola]

Hi!

With a serial number in the 280,000s, that machine is probably a model B with a Banner decal. It's better than an "A" from the standpoint that the motor has the spring suspension and should be quieter, the possible drawback is that the speed control is under the bedplate (unless it's an ICS model). It's not much of a drawback and $350 sounds pretty decent for that with a horn. I suppose it depends how much finish loss there is, how well that it will clean up and whether you need to buy a crane.

As far as the date goes, I'd guess that it was early in 1906. The Frow book mentions that they were introduced Oct-Dec 1905. This one is just under 40,000 units from the earliest B's I've seen. Good luck and post photos if you get it!

- Martin

[phonogfp]

Martin's right - No. 280,3xx would have left the factory about February 1906.

You don't mention a lid. If that's missing, $350 is not quite so good a bargain.

George P.

[De Soto Frank]

Martin & George,

Thanks for your replies !


The lid is present, and in fairly decent shape - not splintered and peeling like many...

It has the flat, black, slotted crank, and the "button" carriage lift. Speed adjust is underneath.


I will see if there's any movement on the price...

I appreciate the input !

[phonogfp]

Slotted crank?? I've never seen that on a Model B...

George P.