The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Well, now I am rather confused! It does indeed seem that the A250 machines, the later ones, had a green grille cloth. However, my machine is a B250, and while it looks almost identical I believe it is possible that grille cloth color could have changed from the earlier A250. One thing is certain: that I picked the wrong grille cloth color! I am going to the Edison Museum in New Jersey this Friday, maybe they might have some information in their archives. Thank you to everyone who has responded thus far and if anybody else has any ideas as to grille cloth color it would be very much appreciated.

-Steve

Steve, while historic authenticity is important ( to many of us ), another thing to consider in this case, is that it is only a cloth applique` to the back-side of the grille... it is not a permanent alteration to the machine, it can be swapped-out.

From my limited observation of original DD machines with intact cloths, the dark (Mahogany) machines had gold cloth, the golden oak had green. Perhaps there were other variations.

I have seen other machines ( my golden oak Silvertone ) that have black (original) cloth.

I do not recall seeing a DD machine with orange cloth; I think there may have been Amberolas with orange cloth.


What is equally important to me, is finding textile that is most similar to the original: a "square-weave", unpatterned "chintz" - a very thin cloth, that is opaque when light hits it from the front, is slightly transparent when lit from the rear, and has a slight "sheen" to it on the "good side". Most folks here refer to it being silk.

I found what I feel is acceptable green material for my oak C-19 at Joanne Fabrics. ( Fortunately, the green also harmonizes with the color scheme in our house... )

Take your time and do some research...

Frank

I bought the mahogany B-250 shown here in February 1977 out of a small local shop. It was untouched, but its grille cloth was missing. However, traces of pumpkin-colored cloth remained (and remain today). I had a grille cloth of the same color I took from a C-150 and tacked it in. As you can see, it's a perfect match for the traces left in the B-250. The C-150's grille design still shows clearly on the reverse where it faded.

There's no question that this particular mahogany B-250 came from the factory with pumpkin colored grille cloth. I suspect others came with green. If a customer had a preference, the dealer could switch grilles between machines.

George P.

Just an observation, the material on George's machine is a much heavier weave / thread than the cloth in my original C-19 ( more like sheer window-curtain material).

So, color not withstanding, it appears the earlier DD's used a different fabric.

De Soto Frank wrote:Just an observation, the material on George's machine is a much heavier weave / thread than the cloth in my original C-19 ( more like sheer window-curtain material).

So, color not withstanding, it appears the earlier DD's used a different fabric.

Keep in mind that the first photo is a pretty tight closeup. Note the grain in the wood...

George P.

That's really interesting.

Thanks for sharing George.

I have a C-150 that's been sitting on the backburner for a few years awaiting a strip and re-stain. I'll have to check the back side of the grille to see what color the cloth originally was.

)

Tony K.


Edison Collector/Restorer

phonogfp wrote:

De Soto Frank wrote:Just an observation, the material on George's machine is a much heavier weave / thread than the cloth in my original C-19 ( more like sheer window-curtain material).

So, color not withstanding, it appears the earlier DD's used a different fabric.

Keep in mind that the first photo is a pretty tight closeup. Note the grain in the wood...

George P.

George,

Is there a perimeter moulding on the back-side of that grille, to help secure the fabric?

I checked my photo morgue - I do not have any close-up shots of the grille from my mahogany C-19...

Frank

De Soto Frank wrote: Is there a perimeter moulding on the back-side of that grille, to help secure the fabric?

Frank

The cloth is secured by the quarter-round shown in the closeup. That shot was taken of the back side of the grille.

George P.

Okay, I think I found a cloth that matches George's grille cloth very well online. What do you think? Its polyester, but I don't think that will block too much sound.

http://www.joann.com/home-decor-upholst ... v1=Product

-Steve

When George suggested pumpkin color, I dont' think he meant this orange. It's more of a brownish gold color. I can't tell from the pic how thick these cloths are. I would check in the store first. This color seems more like it, but I can't tell for sure:

http://www.joann.com/home-decor-solid-f ... c&start=29