The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Aha. Thanks, Ralph - - that makes more sense. Sorry for my misunderstanding, and thanks for clearing that up!

George P.

George, I assume you have a C-250 or a C-19? Are you tempted to start an inventory/thread for them on this forum (or would anyone else)? It would be a huge undertaking as there were several times more C-250s/C-19s made than the Edisonics. But one might find many willing contributors. I find that owners of the C-250s/C-19s are oftentimes quite passionate about them, and some of them argue that the C-250/C-19 was the best sonically of all the Edison disc phonographs (those of us with Edisonics disagree, but I'm content to "live and let live").

Just hoping to pass along my inventory "bug." Documenting actual machines for the future is a fun project.

Ralph

I would like to post a related question. In my collection I have a mahogany C-19 that had been professionally refinished years ago and it looks beautiful. It is huge as others have mentioned and I was thinking of getting a smaller machine. I recently purchased 2 Edison C-150's at a sale. One in oak, and one in mahogany. I was considering selling the C-19 and keeping one of the smaller 150's. From those of you that have had both machines, what are your thoughts? My main goal was to have a somewhat smaller machine in it's original finish, but maybe the C-19 should be the keeper. Kind of on the fence and looking for advice.
Matt

Matt, I have to jump at your question. This was exactly what was facing me in 2011. On one hand I loved the C-250 and in some ways she was a beauty. But on the other hand I found the C-250 annoying as it so dominated the room and I bumped into it a lot. I finally decided to trade it in for a nice, smaller S-19. BUT, after I had the S-19 for awhile I started to regret the switch as its sound was not as full as the C-250. So, I eventually opted (in 2013) for a bigger horn--but decided on an Edisonic instead of going back to the C-250.

You are facing a tough choice. I could understand your going either way...and either way has its good points. If I were to advise, I'd say keep your C-19.

Ralph

Ralph,

I'm trying to cure myself of the "inventorying bug" after collecting detailed data on Edison "suitcase" Homes, Edison Spring-Motor/Triumphs, Edison Amberola 1As/1Bs, and "Eagle" Graphophones. I continue to add to all 4 of these databases, although traffic has (thankfully) slowed considerably. Many members of this forum were quite helpful with these questionnaires.

Still, I admit that I'm interested in someday learning the following:

1) serial number when the C-250 transitioned from pinstriped bedplate to non-pinstriped bedplate.

2) serial number transition from model C-250 to model C-19.

3) serial number point at which the C-19 drawers gave way to slats.

At the moment I have too much on my plate to begin another research project, but I think there's another 30 years left in me...

George P.

JohnM wrote:Another subtle difference is the design progression of the 'Official Laboratory Model' medallions affixed to the cabinet in the turntable compartment. The earliest were pentagonal with a circular center and state: 'The $250 Disc Phonograph is the Official laboratory Model', but the verbiage and shape changed over time. It would be interesting to nail down the dates of these changes and corresponding s/n's.

Indeed, that is precisely the wording on mine (SN 7265), which I would estimate to be from about November/December 1915.

Bill

I have a 1917 Chippendale in mahogany. There is a difference between the 250 model and the C-19 besides the drawers. My C-250 does not have the semi automatic shut off lever, but has an electric Duncan stop that requires a battery to work. It's funny how everyone is describing the C-250 as large. I think of mine as one of my small machines since I collect things like Brunswick Cortez and Columbia Viva-Tonal 800s!

Here are some pictures of my C250 serial # 12011. This one also has the "Official Laboratory" medallion next to the patent plate that reads: "The $250 Diamond Disc is the Official Laboratory Model"

Dave Jolley

Hi folks,

I think this is a fascinating post, and in response to pughphonos suggestion that someone start a database in regards to the C250/C19 Diamond Disc Phonographs, I've decided to take the initiative and start a spreadsheet and compile pertinent information on the differences and commonalities observed between the two. It is my hope that, through serialisation and original documentation, I can establish dates when significant changes were made along the manufacturing timeline of both the C250 and the C19 over their respective lifetimes.

I will start my own post with my questions, and I hope that everyone here with either machine is gracious enough to help me out with the data gathering.

This is my first large scale historical project, so I need and appreciate your help.

Thank you,

Fran

Fran, this is great news. I think your database will gain lots of support. I'll do what I can to steer people your way and will be on the look-out for machines on-line.

Do you plan on creating a form that people should fill out, or will you just take whatever is submitted and work it in to your form?

At any rate, all best to the Chippendale project. You will probably want to start a new thread to announce it.

Ralph

P.S. If you want to copy some established projects, our very own George P. already is maintaining four databases. My approach with the Edisonics has been much more informal, using a thread and then indexing the various submissions by serial number.