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Re: Amberola marked Type SM Model B1
Posted: Sun Oct 12, 2025 8:49 am
by JohnM
drh wrote: Sun Oct 05, 2025 1:53 pm
shopdoc wrote: Fri Oct 03, 2025 10:43 pm
Is there any way to figure out the roman numeral model of my dad's floor model amberola that is marked Type SM Model B1 serial number 4950? I saw an earlier post that made me think it might be III
In case it will help narrow things down, the Amberola III had a distinctive cabinet, being like a table model on stilts with a shelf below. It was the same one Edison issued for the A and B 150 diamond disc machines. You can see some photos of the Amberola I variants and the Amberola III here:
https://phonographcompany.com/project_category/edison/
The “table model on stilts with a shelf below” is called a ‘half-cabinet upright’.
Re: Amberola marked Type SM Model B1
Posted: Sun Oct 12, 2025 1:14 pm
by drh
JohnM wrote: Sun Oct 12, 2025 8:49 am
drh wrote: Sun Oct 05, 2025 1:53 pm
shopdoc wrote: Fri Oct 03, 2025 10:43 pm
Is there any way to figure out the roman numeral model of my dad's floor model amberola that is marked Type SM Model B1 serial number 4950? I saw an earlier post that made me think it might be III
In case it will help narrow things down, the Amberola III had a distinctive cabinet, being like a table model on stilts with a shelf below. It was the same one Edison issued for the A and B 150 diamond disc machines. You can see some photos of the Amberola I variants and the Amberola III here:
https://phonographcompany.com/project_category/edison/
The “table model on stilts with a shelf below” is called a ‘half-cabinet upright’.
At least in the Diamond Disc book Frow refers to it as an "open shelf upright." The "half cabinet uprights" are things like the C-150 or the A-200, more full cabinets up on legs.
Re: Amberola marked Type SM Model B1
Posted: Thu Oct 16, 2025 9:24 pm
by Homestead
Wow, looks like Dad had a nice collection. Your B1 has what appears to be both the Diamond A reproducer (on the right in the photo) and a Model L mounted on the Phonograph. Please take care of the Diamond A reproducer and try not to rest it on the diamond and they are expensive to replace. Feel free to ask any questions. Are you selling any of Dad's machines??? You know many on the forum would be interested. Again, all the best. James Manker
Re: Amberola marked Type SM Model B1
Posted: Thu Oct 16, 2025 11:55 pm
by shopdoc
Homestead wrote: Thu Oct 16, 2025 9:24 pm
Wow, looks like Dad had a nice collection. Your B1 has what appears to be both the Diamond A reproducer (on the right in the photo) and a Model L mounted on the Phonograph. Please take care of the Diamond A reproducer and try not to rest it on the diamond and they are expensive to replace. Feel free to ask any questions. Are you selling any of Dad's machines??? You know many on the forum would be interested. Again, all the best. James Manker
Thank you for sharing your knowledge! Right now we are making sure that all family members that want dad's machines get them. But I do know that the B1, Mark 75 and diamond disk c 250 will be sold because nobody wants to tackle the large, heavy machines.
I haven't listed them anywhere yet because I'm trying to decide if I'll only offer them for local pick up or whether I want to offer to ship. I'm open for advice on that too.
Re: Amberola marked Type SM Model B1
Posted: Fri Oct 17, 2025 2:56 pm
by JerryVan
shopdoc wrote: Thu Oct 16, 2025 11:55 pm
But I do know that the B1, Mark 75 and diamond disk c 250 will be sold because nobody wants to tackle the large, heavy machines.
I'm happy that you and your relatives find interest in some of your dad's collection. I'm sure that would have made him glad.
Just a friendly tip... I think you're referring to an Edison Amberola 75 when you state "Mark 75"? Edison never used the term "Mark" and most collectors are not likely to relate to it, (although it's no great stretch to figure it out, I suppose).
Re: Amberola marked Type SM Model B1
Posted: Fri Oct 17, 2025 4:28 pm
by shopdoc
JerryVan wrote: Fri Oct 17, 2025 2:56 pm
shopdoc wrote: Thu Oct 16, 2025 11:55 pm
But I do know that the B1, Mark 75 and diamond disk c 250 will be sold because nobody wants to tackle the large, heavy machines.
I'm happy that you and your relatives find interest in some of your dad's collection. I'm sure that would have made him glad.
Just a friendly tip... I think you're referring to an Edison Amberola 75 when you state "Mark 75"? Edison never used the term "Mark" and most collectors are not likely to relate to it, (although it's no great stretch to figure it out, I suppose).
I appreciate that. I got it off someplace that called them Mark 30, Mark 50, and Mark 75!
Re: Amberola marked Type SM Model B1
Posted: Sat Oct 18, 2025 4:58 pm
by shopdoc
Homestead wrote: Thu Oct 16, 2025 9:24 pm
Wow, looks like Dad had a nice collection. Your B1 has what appears to be both the Diamond A reproducer (on the right in the photo) and a Model L mounted on the Phonograph. Please take care of the Diamond A reproducer and try not to rest it on the diamond and they are expensive to replace. Feel free to ask any questions. Are you selling any of Dad's machines??? You know many on the forum would be interested. Again, all the best. James Manker
Right now, I'm getting ready to sell the B1, the amberola 75, and the diamond disk c-250 as they are too big for the family to move and have room for. Everyone is leaning toward the portable models, even me. They are just too nice to risk moving ourselves.