The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

On which model Edison does the lighting bolt reproducer belong? Jerry

I believe that is a very rare adapter reproducer made to go on your Beethoven, Schubert, or any Diamond Disc player when Edison started making Needle Cut records in 1929. It is the only reproducer of its kind that I've ever seen, and the lightening bolts reflect the similar design of the Edison Needle Cut records label.

Jerry B. wrote:On which model Edison does the lighting bolt reproducer belong? Jerry

A very few P-1 machines appear to have been equipped with this reproducer, but it is generally found with the late Edisonic machines which are fitted with needle cups.

Having restored several of these reproducers I find that every part is interchangeable with the equivalent piece of a. Columbia Viva-Tonal sound box. I firmly believe that these were made in Bridgport, as the later pot-metal sound boxes were made in St. Louis.

I'm just drooling at those photos. I don't think even the once in a lifetime auctions over here have quality or quantity like this any more.

Jerry B. wrote:On which model Edison does the lighting bolt reproducer belong? Jerry

I believe the Edison portable phonographs were made by the Prime Manufacturing Co. in Milwaukee, WI. The "Lightning Bolt" reproducer was used on the scarce Deco model portable phonograph.

Rob

Later that day, I heard that very reproducer playing several Orthophonic records. It sounded fantastic. No restoration needed. Equivalent to an Orthophonic reproducer.

JerryVan wrote:Later that day, I heard that very reproducer playing several Orthophonic records. It sounded fantastic. No restoration needed. Equivalent to an Orthophonic reproducer.

No restoration needed because I had restored that reproducer some years ago. These are very good units. They are in all respects save the cover plate identical to the Viva-Tonal sound boxes, which are well know to be very fine indeed!

Uncle Vanya wrote:

JerryVan wrote:Later that day, I heard that very reproducer playing several Orthophonic records. It sounded fantastic. No restoration needed. Equivalent to an Orthophonic reproducer.

No restoration needed because I had restored that reproducer some years ago. These are very good units. They are in all respects save the cover plate identical to the Viva-Tonal sound boxes, which are well know to be very fine indeed!

Great job Uncle V!

JerryVan wrote:

Uncle Vanya wrote:

JerryVan wrote:Later that day, I heard that very reproducer playing several Orthophonic records. It sounded fantastic. No restoration needed. Equivalent to an Orthophonic reproducer.

No restoration needed because I had restored that reproducer some years ago. These are very good units. They are in all respects save the cover plate identical to the Viva-Tonal sound boxes, which are well know to be very fine indeed!

Great job Uncle V!

Thanks!

Now the English Columbia company made a Viva-Tonal sound box which had the fitting for a Victor standard size tone arm, as did the Edison. An English Columbia No. 19 (I think. Need to check model numbers when I get home) will perform exactly the same way in this application, and generally may be had for between $40.00 and $50.00 on eBay UK.

Marc - is that a genuine Emerson "Bluebird" round mirror radio ?

marcapra wrote:Here are some pics of the Stanton auction: