Introduction and Question on Edison Home Edition C 1905

[Iva]

Hello, I'm not sure the protocol for introducing myself on this form..however I am new here and feel I should introduce myself before I just go asking questions.

So hello my name is Iva. I've been lurking on this form for a while before I made an account and most times I have not logged in when I pop in to look around. I hope to get more involved in this forum when I get more time. I find so many topics interesting to read and lots of information about refinishing that is very helpful.

I love vintage. Absolutely makes my toes curl. I am into collecting cameras mostly. However I came across a Columbia Grafonola at a yard sale. The motor didn't seem to fit right but I was told "it worked at one time"...(lmao) I'm sure it did. Come to find it isn't the right motor for the cabinet. I believe it's a Victor motor. But my 'love' was already started.

I googled like mad and found out how to take the motor apart and how to remove the springs and I had a blast in doing all that.

hummm...I should just get to my question.

I have a prospect of buying an Edison Home Edition C.
I'm a bit nervous about buying it because it looks almost like it's been refinished. Or even an imitation model? Are there many imitations out there? And... I know this can go back and forth...but if it's been refinished...does that take off from value or add to the value?

How about glory horns? How much will the value be changed if it's been repainted?

I know putting a value on something is hard. But if it's clean good working condition...is there an average price for one of these machines?
what is the price of one that has a "fake" horn, or if the horn turns out to be redone?

I'm really trying to figure out what to offer.

Thanks for taking the time to read if you did. I hope I can be pointed in a good direction.

Iva

[Jerry B.]

Hello Iva,

Welcome to the Forum. You'll find many friendly collectors here will to share their advice. Feel free to ask anything you wish.

The "C" series of machines, from the Edison Gem to the Triumph, are not frequently found. They were originally sold in the state of New York with design variations to avoid legal issues. They were originally two minute machines without end gates. Many Edisons were sold with the model C reproducer and sellers frequently think that means the machine is a model C. This is incorrect. For example, many model A and B Homes were sold with a C reproducer. The machine you are considering may be a model C Home but I suspect it is not. A photo would help a great deal.

The advice I give to any new collector is to buy a two and four minute Edison player for your fist purchase. Forgive me if you already know this but standard size cylinder records can be in either two or four minute format. If your machine plays either type, it is much more versatile. When you are out antiquing and see a great title, your machine, with the correct reproducer, will be able to play your new purchase.

Phonograph collectors most generally prefer machines and horns with their original finish. Any machine or horn that has been refinished is worth less than a similar machine with a good original finish. That's not to say that we don't appreciate a nicely restored machine or horn.

Value without good photos is difficult. I can only give examples of machines that I will have at the next sale I attend. I have an Edison Standard Model B (2 minute player only) with excellent original paint and striping on the deck and a very good original finish. The asking price without horn will be around $350. I'll also have an Edison Standard Model D (2&4 minute player) with a nicely refinished cabinet and good paint and striping on the deck for around $350. The one machine has a good original finish but the other with is more versatile. Edison Standards and Homes generally sell for about the same amount of money. I hope this helps.

Jerry Blais

[Iva]

Thank you so much for some feedback Jerry B.
I've been doing lots of Ebay searches and see so many different price ranges, but it sounds like the one I'm looking at is priced in the ball park of what to spend. I'm going to call and make an offer and see where it leads to. I would have to see it before I can know if it's a different model with a C reproducer.
So am I to understand that even if this was an actual C model, it is still in a price range of 350.00? The horn looks very good, almost to good...and I'm not finding the design of the flower pattern.
Going to call on it now.

[Iva]

Well...He informs me it has absolutely been refinished.
The horn has been repainted and worked over and some not original parts in horn. He does say it's a model C with an H reproducer. Everything else is original. It does play 4 and 2 min cylinders. The spring has been cleaned and re-greased as well. I'm going up on Monday to look at it and see about bringing it home. He sounds very nice with lots of info and has others in his collection. I'm excited too meet him. He said he has more into it then what he is asking for it at 695.00. I was hoping to go a bit less on the cost however He mentioned he has cylinders and would throw in a few.

It's very tempting.

[Iva]

a picture of it...I hope I'm making a good choice. I think I'm a bit nuts for thinking about it.

[Le0]

a picture of it...I hope I'm making a good choice. I think I'm a bit nuts for thinking about it.

there are plenty of these Home phonographs... I'd pass this one and wait to find a better example with original finish and better price. patience pays, you'll see.

[Phonofreak]

Iva,
Welcome to the forum. This Edison Home is a model B, because it has an end-gate. The crane(horn support) is definitely a reproduction. The horn is nice, but the flowers look like decals. I personally think that $695.00 is pretty steep for this machine. If you can get it for around $400.00, that will be a better and more realistic price. Post an ad in the Yankee trader, and I'm sure one of the members will have a nice 2'4 min Edison for a very good price. Jerry Blais Standards are a good deal. He is honest and fair and will make things right if there is a problem. I've bought many machines from him over the years.
Harvey Kravitz

[Wolfe]

a picture of it...I hope I'm making a good choice. I think I'm a bit nuts for thinking about it.

there are plenty of these Home phonographs... I'd pass this one and wait to find a better example with original finish and better price. patience pays, you'll see.

Aren't you right. I couldn't even look at that without turning away in horror.

[Iva]

well dang...you all sure know how to deflate a person...heh.

I was hoping to get it at 500.00. Although talking to him he said he was pretty stuck on his price.
I was thinking about it later after I posted and wondered what on earth could a person be putting into a machine to reach 700.00 worth. He said the flowers and the paint job matched what the horn looked like before...but I'm still not so sure on that.
He commented that horns never had regular paint jobs and that most people painted the flowers in themselves. I wasn't so sure on that either.

He's an older gentleman and said he collects them and has more at his house. He mentioned that he was getting old (72)and his kids are not interested in them so he wanted to start getting rid of them.

Maybe I'll call him back and talk over if he has something a bit more affordable that he doesn't have so much time into.

He seemed rather sure it was a C model. He talked that he added a piece on the end to play both 4 and 2 min records.

Thanks for the replies.

[Valecnik]

Hello Iva,

I would agree with what some of the others have said. For $700 or less you should be able to get a very nice 2 and 4 minute Home, Standard or Fireside with a large horn. I would stick with one that has it's original finish. They are much easier to sell should you decide to do that in the future. As tempting as it is, don't be in a hurry. See what this gentleman has to offer, then think about it or ask advice here. Also check your local Craigslist and, depending on where you live and how far you are willing to drive, consider attending one off the shows in NJ, CAL, IL or FL. First time at one of those shows you will experience true nirvana!