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Edison Bell disc machine
Posted: Thu Nov 13, 2014 4:48 pm
by vansteem78
Does anyone know much about my British machine by Edison Bell? It is extremely light weight and has a single spring motor.
Re: Edison Bell disc machine
Posted: Thu Nov 13, 2014 6:29 pm
by tinovanderzwan
this is one of thos EB´s that is mimicking the hmv machines its not a dicect copy of one
the eb´s where dirt cheap so many of them where sold all over europe
light single and double spring motors where used in these from eighter garrard unk swiss make(maby thorens)or one of those brittish motors that are copies of columbia motors you find the same motors in their portables and tabletops
Re: Edison Bell disc machine
Posted: Fri Nov 14, 2014 8:08 am
by FloridaClay
It most definitely has the look of the "arts and crafts" period to it. Rather handsome.
Clay
Re: Edison Bell disc machine
Posted: Fri Nov 14, 2014 1:33 pm
by epigramophone
tinovanderzwan wrote:this is one of thos EB´s that is mimicking the hmv machines its not a dicect copy of one
the eb´s where dirt cheap so many of them where sold all over europe
light single and double spring motors where used in these from eighter garrard unk swiss make(maby thorens)or one of those brittish motors that are copies of columbia motors you find the same motors in their portables and tabletops
The British company Edison Bell was formed in 1892, taking it's name from the Edison and Bell/Tainter patent rights which it had acquired. It ceased trading in 1933 when it was absorbed by Decca.
Their early Discaphones had Swiss motors, but from the 1920's Edison Bell was one of the few British firms to make their own motors. The 1929 advert pictured below emphasises the fact that the machines were entirely British made.
Columbia(UK) had long standing contractual arrangements with Garrard for the supply of motors, and were by far Garrard's largest customer. This entitled Columbia to have their own name embossed on the Garrard motors which they purchased.
Re: Edison Bell disc machine
Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2014 12:22 pm
by vansteem78
Thanks everyone for your response. I know more now then I did before. Nice ad on the Edison Bell's. Next I'll have to ask about my little G&T horned machine. I have to take photos first though. I was looking for parts and/or information on that machine. Since G&T was a large corporation I would guess information and parts might be found. Stay tuned and thanks everyone.
Re: Edison Bell disc machine
Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2014 1:36 pm
by epigramophone
Christmas is coming, so why not ask for a copy of "His Master's Gramophone" ISBN978-0-9567771-0-2. It covers every known machine sold by The Gramophone Company in Britain from 1897 to 1960. It is not cheap, but it is the definitive reference work on this subject and deserves a place on every collector's bookshelf.
Re: Edison Bell disc machine
Posted: Wed Nov 19, 2014 1:52 pm
by Valecnik
epigramophone wrote:Christmas is coming, so why not ask for a copy of "His Master's Gramophone" ISBN978-0-9567771-0-2. It covers every known machine sold by The Gramophone Company in Britain from 1897 to 1960. It is not cheap, but it is the definitive reference work on this subject and deserves a place on every collector's bookshelf.
Excellent idea. Ask Santa to bring you one Neil! It's a great book.
PS: I see you made it onto the forum very quickly once we brought up the problem with our moderator, (as discussed on fb)

Re: Edison Bell disc machine
Posted: Wed Nov 19, 2014 1:57 pm
by Curt A
Neil, welcome to the forum... I am assuming that you are the one and only Neil from Chicago...
Curt
Re: Edison Bell disc machine
Posted: Wed Nov 19, 2014 2:07 pm
by Valecnik
PS: Does that small metal data plate under the decal say 51?
Re: Edison Bell disc machine
Posted: Wed Nov 19, 2014 10:01 pm
by Lucius1958
epigramophone wrote:tinovanderzwan wrote:this is one of thos EB´s that is mimicking the hmv machines its not a dicect copy of one
the eb´s where dirt cheap so many of them where sold all over europe
light single and double spring motors where used in these from eighter garrard unk swiss make(maby thorens)or one of those brittish motors that are copies of columbia motors you find the same motors in their portables and tabletops
The British company Edison Bell was formed in 1892, taking it's name from the Edison and Bell/Tainter patent rights which it had acquired. It ceased trading in 1933 when it was absorbed by Decca.
Their early Discaphones had Swiss motors, but from the 1920's Edison Bell was one of the few British firms to make their own motors. The 1929 advert pictured below emphasises the fact that the machines were entirely British made.
Columbia(UK) had long standing contractual arrangements with Garrard for the supply of motors, and were by far Garrard's largest customer. This entitled Columbia to have their own name embossed on the Garrard motors which they purchased.
Interesting that they included a copy of the "humpback" Victrola among the newer designs...
Bill