The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

At the auction on Sunday there was an A250 with a serial #17 that sold for $250. If I remember correctly, it wasn't in the best condition but still decent.

From what I have read there were many incredible buys at that auction.

Clay

"As long as we are on the topic, here are a few pics showing a couple of variations in volume control, the later flat metal rod pulling up and down and the earlier, less common version managed by turning a big knob next to the bedplate. In the last two pics of a very late A250 you can see the volume control rod in front of the horn in one pic and see the handle peeking over in the top pic. In the earlier two, you can see the bend round rod system managed by a barely visible big knob that you turn clockwise to reduce volume."

I find these early volume controls quite interesting. I've seen a couple of examples of the knob and vertical rod style - one installed on an Amberola 1A, but have not seen the lever style installed. So I have a question - when it's operated, where does the lever end sit? Does the bent-over "handle" end just rest at various spots on top of the front edge of the bedplate?

thanks.

Edisone wrote:First time I've seen that type of reproducer; thanks! Is that a chunk of wood or cork or ... ?

ps - I removed the ball-choking-thingy from my Edison DD machines, because it muffled the sound even when all the way out. I think the cats killed all of them, thinking they were some kinda rodents.

It appears to be a thick piece of felt.

If it were me, I would keep both machines, but if I had to choose, It would be an easy decision, I would sell the much later machine and keep the earlier machine...besides, I have never seen a Diamond Disc reproducer like that one with a volume control!

)

Tony K.
Melbourne, Florida

Edison Collector

I wonder though how many A250s were made all together and is the later one I have made around the time of the fire? I could not find the paper tag. Here is the data plate in a pic. I looked at the volume control and it appears to be an aftermarket attachment. I have seen a250s with matching color volume control attachments. This one is black. So by serial number which one would ya'll choose?

Dustie89 wrote:I wonder though how many A250s were made all together and is the later one I have made around the time of the fire? I could not find the paper tag. Here is the data plate in a pic. I looked at the volume control and it appears to be an aftermarket attachment. I have seen a250s with matching color volume control attachments. This one is black. So by serial number which one would ya'll choose?

I'd keep the one in overall better condition if one is obviously better if you must sell one. What's the serial no. on the other one Dustie?

DGPros wrote:At the auction on Sunday there was an A250 with a serial #17 that sold for $250. If I remember correctly, it wasn't in the best condition but still decent.

Are you very sure of that serial no. DGPros? I recall Ron D saying they started out at 1 or 200. Who knows though.

Valecnik wrote:

Dustie89 wrote:I wonder though how many A250s were made all together and is the later one I have made around the time of the fire? I could not find the paper tag. Here is the data plate in a pic. I looked at the volume control and it appears to be an aftermarket attachment. I have seen a250s with matching color volume control attachments. This one is black. So by serial number which one would ya'll choose?

I'd keep the one in overall better condition if one is obviously better if you must sell one. What's the serial no. on the other one Dustie?

7520 is the serial number to the other machine.

14444 would have to be pretty late in 1914. 10982 is tagged 8-20-14.