Edison Model C ICS

[VanEpsFan1914]

Regarding the celluloid tag--talk to a piano tuner and get a key from a scrapped piano. During the Second World War, piano manurfacture was restricted as brass was needed for the war effort (cartridges, etc.) and to cope, they used to take uprights from the 1900s through the 1920s and cut a notch out of the top and install a mirror, giving the appearance of a streamlined modern instrument. "Mirror pianos" are valueless, though historically interesting. Many of them are cut up for junk.

A tuner might have some old keys--it's not hard to find an early-1900s celluloid piano key. Get a few of them, and be careful cutting it as celluloid splits easily. When you're done, take the shavings outside and set them on fire. Nitrocellulose is the same stuff smokeless powder is made of and it goes up impressively.

For nails, see if anyone has escutcheon nails. Modern brads or tacks will be too obvious.


Regarding the four-minute conversion--if it was my machine, I would leave it as it is and buy an Edison Amberola 30. The horn is better and the 30 carries a bigger diaphragm--allowing listeners to take advantage of the fidelity improvements made in the Blue Amberol records, and get away from the tiny reproducer and tin-can sound of a 14" brass horn. An Edison Amberola can be had quite cheaply with a bit of searching and they are simple, easy-to-use phonographs--not to mention stylish and ruggedly built.

[52089]

I used to own this one, which I sold to another forum member a few years ago. This one has the tag and also the 2/4 gearing.

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=15757&hilit=+featured

[mbuk]

Is there a way to date the Phonograph from the serial number? It appeas to be 769465

[phonogfp]

Is there a way to date the Phonograph from the serial number? It appeas to be 769465

Edison Phonographs (except Triumphs) can be dated to the month and year, thanks to surviving Edison sales data. (Triumphs can be dated roughly to the quarter.) Unfortunately, that sales data stops after May 1908, when the Standard was at approx. 590,000. #769465 probably dates from 1910.

George P.

[mbuk]

Thanks for the info

[phonogfp]

Thanks for the info

You're welcome. Sorry I can't be more specific.

George P.