Edison and Brunswick Escutcheon and locks

[Tinkerbell]

Tink, I think you are correct. I believe that Brunswick got in the business as a result of a large quantity of cabinets that were rejected by Edison. Years ago, maybe twenty five, I saw a cabinet that I recognized as Edison but it did not have any indication of ever having a crank hole. The inside was repurposed as a liquor cabinet. Of course the crank hole could have been expertly disguised but I don't think this was the case. Your thread has brought up memories of a very interesting opportunity that I missed as a younger collector. I made a mistake. Jerry

Without having to go through dozens of bookmarked websites, scads of emails, and pages of written documentation to locate the source, I do recall reading somewhere that Brunswick first made phono cabinets for others and realized they were missing out on a potential market. It may have been in correspondence email with R. Wakeman I conducted when researching info on my unnumbered Brunswick, or it may have been on the Gracyk website (or both/neither).

If I had the time, ability, and resources to do so, I would love to research and write a book on Brunswick phonograph history... not for any particular hopes of financial gain, but strictly for the purpose of having some written history (and how to) in print. The challenge, however, is obtaining anything other than empirical knowledge as the non-US firm who bought out the rights to the Brunswick name about twenty years ago destroyed all production records/information believing nobody would be interested in ancient history (according to Mr. Wakeman). What a tragedy to lose such history.

Was the missed opportunity to which you refer the one to purchase that particular repurposed cabinet, or did you have some other great idea/opportunity? (Sorry, I don't mean to be obtuse...)

Tinkerbell
I emailed Mr. Wakeman recently and he told me he has written a book on Brunswick machines but has been unable to find a publisher thus far. I know I would be interested in a copy if he should get it published. Jan

Jan ~ I would also be interested in a copy, wish I had a means of making it happen.

When Mr. Wakeman corresponded with me, he gave me enough information in his emails to write a small book. It would be a pity to allow that type of knowledge and potential possibly go to waste.

Self publishing is a possibility using print on demand technology, or entirely self-published with no real financial outlay other than the person's time (and that of an editor, if necessary) if one was interested in publishing strictly in ebook format.

I sure would like to see it happen.

[phonogfp]

Me too. In 1921 Brunswick became the 3rd largest selling talking machine manufacturer in the U.S. It's high time a definitive history on this company was available.

George P.

[phonogal]

George and Tinkerbell, Mr. Wakeman said he had been corresponding with Mainspring Press about releasing his book on CD but that they had appeared to have lost interest in it. He also mentioned that he may try to put the book on the internet himself. I would think there would be more interest in collecting Brunswick machines if there were more information available. Brunswick did make some nice machines. Since Brunswick company records are gone, it would be a real shame if the information he has collected is lost too. Jan

[Tinkerbell]

George and Tinkerbell, Mr. Wakeman said he had been corresponding with Mainspring Press about releasing his book on CD but that they had appeared to have lost interest in it. He also mentioned that he may try to put the book on the internet himself. I would think there would be more interest in collecting Brunswick machines if there were more information available. Brunswick did make some nice machines. Since Brunswick company records are gone, it would be a real shame if the information he has collected is lost too. Jan

Jan ~ Your post is causing me to seriously consider contacting Mr. Wakeman to see if he might not be interested in a collaboration. Amazon offers free self-publishing through https://www.createspace.com/Signup.jsp? ... tm_id=4598; perhaps he might be interested if I offered to do the grunt work.

Ruminating...

[phonogfp]

Go Tink, Go! Go Tink, Go!

George P.

[Tinkerbell]

Go Tink, Go! Go Tink, Go!

George P.

Thank you for the encouragement, George.

With a little serendipity, perhaps this idea could become a reality...

[phonogal]

Tink, I would also help out if there is something I'm able to do. Jan.

[Tinkerbell]

Tink, I would also help out if there is something I'm able to do. Jan.

Thank you, Jan, for your kindest offer to assist; if Mr. Wakeman is amenable to the idea, it would certainly have the potential of lessening the burden and/or challenges, particularly if you are also willing to work in the trenches, so to speak!

In light of potential challenges, I must say that I am thankful for access to the internet... especially given the fact that we are geographically disadvantaged in terms of where we all hang our hats!

[Tinkerbell]

I don't have an answer, but you could PM "Roaring 20s" who is parting out ab Edison W-250 (and I think his price for all the lock stuff is a whopping $15!), he could probably at least measure it for you which would certainly give you an idea as to whether or not it would work for you!

The thread is here:

http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... f=9&t=9173

Hope this helps!
Sean

**UPDATE**

I am doing the happy dance. The lock set from Roaring 20's William and Mary fit!!

Everything aligned perfectly with the lock openings in my Brunswick, and the lockbox only took minor coaxing with Bertha (my rubber mallet) to drop into the cavity.

So, my question about the interchangeability of lock hardware has been answered, and I am passing this bit of information along in the hopes of potentially helping other current/future early model Brunswick owners.

Thank you OrthoSean for the suggestion!

[phonogfp]

I'm glad the question has been answered, but I'm disappointed that my friend was in Vermont over the weekend - - so I was unable to examine his early Brunswick, report back, and be a big hero!

At my stage of life, this is as close to "hero" as I can try for...

Good job!

George P.