C250/C19 Database project

[clevelander]

This is a machine for sale on Ebay in the UK.
Details taken from photos.

Model C 250
S No. 41418
Pinstripe. None
Medallion. Round
Wording. "The model C250 Diamond Disc phonogragh is the official laboratory model. Thos A Edison"
Drawers.
Mahogany
No Duncan stop
No dealer tag.

Regards.
Alistair.

[fran604g]

Thank you Alistair! It's nice to get input from across the pond! I'd love to know the history of this Chippendale...if it could only talk.

Best,
Fran

[clevelander]

Fran,
This is some of the info from the listing,

"I purchased this from an American who had imported it into the UK some years back but was now heading back to the US. I had intended to do the small tlc needed myself and keep it as diamond discs are known to have the earliest jazz recordings. However not having had one before and needing the space, have decided to pass it on instead for someone else to enjoy. Its a classic machine which is quite unusual in this country."

It went for £304 which didn't seem a lot.
Regards,
Alistair.

[fran604g]

Thank you, Alistair.

I imagine shipping it would have been quite expensive to ship. I am happy that it survives still!

Best,
Fran

[Victrolacollector]

How many Edison Laboratory models were made? Less than 100,000?

[phonogfp]

How many Edison Laboratory models were made? Less than 100,000?

There's a difference between "Official Laboratory Models" and C-250s/C-19s (collectively known as "Chippendales"). Eventually, any Edison Disc Phonograph with 2 mainsprings and a 250-size horn was known as an "Official Laboratory Model." Totaling the production of those various models would be difficult.

But if you're interested in how many Chippendales were manufactured, I'm sure Fran can give you a pretty good estimate. He has studied these machines more than anyone else I'm aware of.

George P.

[fran604g]

How many Edison Laboratory models were made? Less than 100,000?

Hi Victrolacollector,

The highest serial number Chippendale that I've observed so far is #185068. The C-250 model was replaced by the C-19 around #72414.

Best,
Fran

[Lenoirstreetguy]

Fran,,,Here's the information you asked for. The only thing is it's in storage so I can't tell you the serial number. It is a late C25o though.
1. Model Designation: C250

2. Serial Number:

3. Bedplate Pinstriping: no

4. "Official Laboratory" Medallion: Round

5. Exact Wording of the Medallion: Please be precise (Abbreviated signature, for example)

6. Record Storage: Drawers

7. Cabinet Wood Type: Mahogany

8. Duncan Stop?: Yes

9. Dealer Tag: None . However I believe the machine came from Minifie's Music House in Sarnia , Ontario. There is a very slim possibility it came from J.J. Bell in Port Huron Michigan, but I am almost positive it came from " Mr Minifie" as my grandmother always called him. The records with the machine came from both stores in those days when the border was free and easy and Port Huron was only a ferry ride away from Sarnia.

10. Original Dated Sales Receipt/Shipping Documentation, etc.: (Dates are particularly noteworthy): No

11. Grille cloth? Dark green

[fran604g]

Fran,,,Here's the information you asked for. The only thing is it's in storage so I can't tell you the serial number. It is a late C25o though.

Thank you, Lenoirstreetguy, I'll enter the rest of the data into my spreadsheet, if you could eventually get it to me, I'd be grateful.

I haven't been able to observe the dataplates of about 8% of the units that I've recorded so far. I can fit them into the general scheme of production periods by their distinctive features, but eventually I will be dating specific trends (as accurately as possible) and then the serial numbers will be very important to the documentation of the study. The more data, the better.

I just realized the significance of the Sarnia/Port Huron part of your post, how cool!

Best,
Fran

[fran604g]

Hi folks,

My progress continues, I've documented 232 Chippendales as of this morning. I appreciate everyone's contributions!

I'm bumping the topic to the top, in the hopes newer members that haven't seen this yet will participate.

Best,
Fran