The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Got an Edison A250 with a locked record cabinet and no key. I took out the pins on the door hinges but that didn't work. Any other ideas?

The thing weighs a ton and I'm really curious to see what's in there.

Thanks! CDB

You can try here:
http://www.ebay.it/itm/ANTIQUE-VINTAGE- ... 2ec44e80a2

However, here is a "Guide" to phonograph keys:
http://www.oldcrank.com/articles/keys/keys.html

Find someone with an assortment of old cabinet keys and try them. You might even be able to pick it with a wire- these locks are usually not unique or complicated.

There are a number of phonograph collectors in the Portland area, and they're nice people. I'll bet one of them would lend you a key if you can't otherwise get it open.

George P.

It takes the twin dolphin headed key, about 2 ½ inches long. (The keys themselves are a work of art.) Chances should be pretty good that you could find one at a phono show and they show up occasionally on eBay. You might also try George Vollema. Don't know if anybody has repros or not.

Clay

Now that you have us all wondering I trust you will let us know what treasures are contained behind the locked door.....

We will understand if you decline due to the possibility IRS may be monitoring this site...

These keys all worked in my A-250 but that was with the lid already open and without the additional resistance of the lid. I will send you either of the non-Edison keys for the cost of postage. Before you do that, I'd suggest visiting your local antique shop. If you have something like our local mall, there's a basket of keys. I'd offer to leave a deposit and take some home to try. Jerry

There are reproduction keys. I have seen them at Union phono show this past year.

If you are anxious, you could try making one like Confettihead did:

http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... f=7&t=9418

The quickest solution? I would find a couple cheap workable generic barrel keys at an antiques mall and cut a suitable key using a file, hacksaw or a Dremel tool, then buy a nice correct one later with the riches found inside this machine.

Ebay is loaded with thousands of barrel keys every day, and many of them will work. Dolphin keys show up almost as often as Victor V keys.