The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Thought this a relevant question here...as I could probably research and look it up, but I'll ask it here anyway.

My 1926 Mahogany C-19 has Bakelite Plastic Caster Wheels. I've seen other earlier C-250/C-19 machines with the Metal Caster Wheels.

Q: Does anyone know when (What Year) Edison made the transition from the Metal Caster Wheels to the Bakelite Plastic Caster Wheels?


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Tony K.

Edison Collector/Restorer

Tony,

The only casters I've noted are hard pressed felt, similar to the ones I've seen used on Victrola floor models, too.

I'm not convinced metal ones were ever originally used.

Best,
Fran

Fran & Tony:
I have no supporting documentation as to originality, but these all metal casters were found on my C-19 (#136969). One thing I can say with reasonable certainty is that they were with my machine for quite some time.
Regards,
Martin

Interesting, Martin.

All 4 that I have here have the hard pressed felt casters. I believe without any doubt they're all original, even C 19 #96451, in which much of the cabinet had fallen apart.

Mine span the entire lifetime of the Chippendale, and are:

C250 #23481
C19 #75339
C19 #96451
C19 #172249

Best,
Fran

Yes, those casters went by the trade name "Feltoid" casters. I don't know if they are still available.

I'll have to get home and get all the information together for the survey, but will probably post it tonight on its own thread. It's a odd ball and I'd like to get some more information on it in general. It appears to be a walnut C19 with gun metal finish. Had a few phonograph dealers and antiqueing friends tell me it is walnut. Not sure, but the gun metal finish attachments convinced me it was different. Going to go ahead and post a picture or two.

Some extra photos I found

That's quite a beauty!

Bill

Dustin,

As I've mentioned to you in our correspondence, your C 19 is a wonderful, and quite unusual one. I'm very happy you've decided to share some photos with us!

The gunmetal finished components were only used towards the end of the Chippendale's lifetime, and though unusual, it's not rare in that respect.

The walnut cabinet, however would seem to be quite scarce, at least in my experience.

I can't tell from your images; is there a speed control in the upper lefthand corner of the motor plate?

I look forward to learning more about it, as your time allows.

What a beautiful machine!

Best,
Fran

Fran... Here's the info on my C-250 Chippendale...

1. What is the Model Designation? "C 250" or "C 19"
C-250

2. What is the Serial Number? "SM-??????"
SM 20431

3. Which finish does the motor plate have?:
3C) "Black ONLY with pin striping present".


4(A) Are there drip pans present under the governor, innermost spring barrel (found only on the earliest C 250's) AND: are they finished in "Maroon", or "Black”?
Yes - Black

4(B) Does the top of the motor plate have a continuous flat surface, or is there a large concentric circular depression (located beneath the turntable) present? Please state "Flat" or "Circular".
FLAT

4(C) Does the governor (located beneath the turntable) have "2 springs" or "3 springs"?
2 springs

4(D) Which finish is on the reproducer, horn throat, and other hardware on the motor plate? “Gold plated”, or “Gun-metal” (AKA "antique bronze")?
Gold Plated

5. Which "Official Laboratory Medallion" is present?
5B) "P-2" = Pentagonal flange with circular boss stating: “The C250 Diamond Disc Phonograph is the Official Laboratory Model Thos A Edison”


6. Which form of record storage is present:
b]6A) 2 Drawers divided into 5-compartments.

7. Cabinet Wood Type: "Mahogany" or "Oak"
Mahogany

8. Is an "Electric Automatic Stop" (AKA Duncan Stop) present on the motor plate? Yes/No
NO

9. Please list any dealer tags or decals present anywhere on the cabinet: Name/Address, location on machine, etc.
NONE

10. Are there any original dated sales receipts/shipping documentation, etc. with the machine? (Dates are particularly noteworthy)
Original shipping crate unpacking instructions


11. Is there Grille cloth present? AND: What is the Color?
Yes- Brown

12. Is the record storage door held open by a rod at the top, center, or the bottom of the cabinet door?
Bottom

Thanks... Dave