The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

As far as my research on EDISON brand products, Ediphone blanks (Edison ONLY), Gold Moulded, and normal brown wax, are all aluminum based waxes, and pretty much non toxic. The only Edison wax formula I do not know is for the spun molded Amberol records, might be worth testing these for lead. I use a formulation so similar as to almost say they are the same as 1890s brown wax. I have a habit of testing the wax by biting into a sample and crunching it, to test it's properties. I am still alive, probably consumed several ounces of the wax over the years, maybe a pound. I also am quite sure, that Commercially issued Columbia entertainment blanks are safe. Dictaphone brand blanks, made by the Dictaphone Corp, or other NON Edison dictation products are the culprits for lead. Victrola Guy proved that Edison Ediphone blanks do not contain lead, as well as my posting of the formula here (credit for the Ediphone formula Eric Von Grimmenstein collection)

In the early phase of cylinder making, that is around 1888, Edison experimented with lead oleate. Lead powder was mixed with olive oil and lard. By the way, sold in pharmacies, lead oleate played a significant role as abortive medicine.

Yes, some 1888 experiments. I don't think any of them survived. Olate of lead decomposes in warm, humid weather, making it have a mildewed appearance. I also found that the note book has a start date of Jan 1, 1887, however it was a mistake as it was new years day 1888 when Aylsworth started the experiments. Paul Israel corrected me on this, I consider him the most reliable authority on Edison and his workers.

Thank you Shawn!