The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello,

I am looking for a photo of the Edison A-250 key, preferably from someone who has a key with their A-250. I can't make sense of the online phonograph key charts, and the dolphin keys I see on eBay all have different cuts for different locks. I'm trying to get my Edison A-250 in top shape, and all that I need is a key. Any assistance you can offer with said photo would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Garret

Garret,
Here are some photos of my double dolphin Edison key.
I hope they help!
Gene

Gene,

Thank you so much for sharing those pictures! That's a huge help!

Garret

Garrett, the key to my A250 differs from Gene's in one respect. On mine, the two cuts are the same length, about the length of the one nearest the key body on Gene's, rather than the one furthest from the key body being a little longer as is the case on his. I rather suspect that these mass produced locks are not terribly sophisticated, though, so that difference may not be critical to proper operation of the lock.

Clay

Here's a guide to various phonograph keys. It was posted here long ago and I saved the link.

http://www.oldcrank.com/articles/keys/keys.html

52089,
Thanks for re-posting this guide.
It certainly comes in handy.

Just want to mention that many years ago I had an Edison A-250 that I purchased without its original key. I found a double dolphin key at the Wayne show that did not fit the lock when I got it home.
The lock is easily removed with 2 screws. I took the lock and key to the local locksmith and for a few bucks he cut the key to fit the lock.

I would not pay the sometimes crazy prices one sees for these keys on eBay.
They do show up at reasonable prices.

Gene