The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Would anyone know if the Edison Polyphon Attachment has any identifying marks on it, to distinguish an original from a made-up example? If a reproducer is missing, can it be replaced with something like an Automatic? many thanks in advance

There are a couple of different versions of the Polyphone Attachment for Edison. A photo(s) would be the best bet.

George P.

Hi George, I go have a look at it tomorrow, and was just looking for some pre-arming of knowledge May help to buy it on the spot! Will of course take my camera.

There are some very skilled forger . . . I mean, reproductions out there, so be careful.

Polyphone attachment, not Polyphon.

The Standard will have PATD. on shoulder
The Home will have PATENTED right above the lift lever and a number 1 stamped on the underside of carriage.
Spring Motor and Concert will have PATENTED just above the lift lever.

If it is a late Edison licensed version, it will say it is licensed by the National Phonograph Company on the carriage around one of the integral reproducer's securing ring.

Photo 1 is the licensed version
Photo 2 is the non licensed Spring Motor version
Photo 3&4 is the non licensed Home version
Photo 5 is the non licensed Standard version

This should help you in your determination. Your safe if it has "Patented" stamped into it.

Do post pics of it!!

Steve

Thanks very much!

Steve is absolutely right . . . and so am I! Be careful !

a quick update

Ok, took a longer break before lunch to check out what the thing actually is......just in case it could be what I was betting on and did not wait around for someone else to grab it. I had of course asked the person who described it on the phone if the word "Business phonograph" was written on the machine anywhere, also received a reply in the negative that "Dictaphone" appeared anywhere on the machine. The person was definite that the 2 "holes" were one behind the other and that the Edison had a wooden case and had to be wound with a handle. I have chased a few dictaphones in the past having been told there was a phonograph for sale!!

It was not quite what I was expecting

Thanks for all your helpful tips regarding the adaptor. The one I bought does not look nearly as good as any of those posted yesterday. No patented signage on the "Polyphone" attachment, no reproducers. Work is needed on the adaptor and machine, and there is a modification or 2 on the machine.

Yes, I bought it, under the theory: more damned if I did not, than if I did, maybe. The seller has had it since the 70's

As soon as I'm home I'll take and post pictures and welcome your helpful advice. Sorry for the suspense, and yes, there is some electrical wiring involved!

Like I said, there is some electrical wiring involved........

and a very promising first impression!

the village blacksmith did some work
1 - replacing the concert mandrel with a standard one