The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I went to my grandsons birthday party this weekend (he just turned 13) and while
I was on my way there I stopped at a friends antique shop. He was selling an
Edison standard home from his personal collection. It was in really good shape
for being over a hundred years old. I don't know if I overpaid or not but I
gave him his asking price of 450.00. It does however need a new leather belt
and some cylinders to play on it. The motor runs very nice and quiet and it
came with the small witches hat Blk & Brass. Here are some pics that I took
after doing some cleaning. So I would appreciate any and all comments about
this machine. Let me know what you know about it and what I need to know since
I've never owned one before, it does have a model C reproducer.
Thanks
Gene

Hi Gene, Congratulations. You have purchased an Edison Standard model B. This one will play two minute cylinders only since it does not have the 2/4 minute gearing that could be added to this model later on. The two minute cylinders are fairly plentiful but finding wax 2 minute cylinders in nice playing condition may take a bit of searching as they are usually found with some degree of mold on their surface - but not always! Look for the 2 minute Indestructible cylinders and you can't go wrong in most cases since they were well recorded and most play very nicely indeed.

Doug

Another alternative on cylinders is the new plastic resin cylinders made by

Edisonia.com

And

Phonographcylinders.com

They are tough and you get titles that are harder to find.

Looks like it's in nice condition !

I think you paid a fair price, considering it came with a horn and a reproducer, and it doesn't look like you have to invest any major effort to make it presentable.



I'll throw-in a vote for the 2-minute "Indestructable" cylinder.

I would avoid buying 2-minute Gold Moulded cylinders from e-bay; best to buy these in-person, when you can inspect them for mold and other damage.

Congratulations on your first cylinder machine !

I also make new two minute cylinders too. They are recorded with a 1910-1920 studio recording head. Also new 2 minute blanks are fabricated here as well. This is one of my blanks on the studio recorder, this is an actual turn of the century studio head. I have about 150 new blanks in stock.

Looks like a very clean Standard and a good value. The advice about two minute Indestructible cylinders is good. Four minute Indestructible records are indicated by "4-M" or something close. If you find a Indestructible with no clue for duration, it's a two minute cylinder. Jerry

Gene, I think you did alright. The machine looks very clean overall and the gold pin stripes on the bedplate are complete, which makes it above average condition. There are plenty of threads on this website about making leather belts. You rarely go wrong buying 2M Indestructible records.

Thanks to all who have replied to this thread, It makes me feel good that
I did not over pay for the machine. It is in good condition and in the
bottom of the case was the original owners setup manual and also a
Notice is Hereby Given statement paper both in good condition. I will
keep an eye out for some 2 min indestructable cylinders to play on it.
Thanks
Gene

Looks like a pretty nice machine all around. The horn is the correct type, but it's a reproduction. Just letting you know.

)

Tony K.

Edison Collector/Restorer

how do you know its a reproduction? I want to buy an Edison Cylinder phonograph myself, and would like to learn more about the specific things you look for.