The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Is there a series of serial numbers that establishes a true "O" Edison reproducer??

blizz

What would be an example of an "untrue" Edison "O"? Are you referring to reproductions?

Yes Jerry I hear there are some fine reproductions out there. I have never seen one but was wondering if they too could have a serial number which would make it hard to authenticate.

blizz

The Model-O and Model-N reproducers shared the same serial range. The earliest all brass top O is serial #3500 and the highest late Model-O is 65746. There are many variations of the O over the years.

Rich Gordon

fmblizz wrote:Yes Jerry I hear there are some fine reproductions out there. I have never seen one but was wondering if they too could have a serial number which would make it hard to authenticate.

blizz

Ron Sitko has (or had) reproductions of the top part (only) of the "O" reproducer available. I don't think they had a serial number at all. They should also be pretty easy to spot as they look more like a shiny plastic than metal, though I don't know what they are actually made of.

The new tops for the Model-O reproducers were made by Justin Schaub. He also makes the Automatic reproducers you see on eBay for $299.00. I believe all of the Model-O tops are unnumbered. All the Automatic reproducers are numbered 1534.

Rich Gordon

Here's one of the repros. You can tell really quick as they have no serial number.

Thanks Ronnie

Here is a pic of the Brass "O" on my machine. definitely original with a serial number of #5292. Almost looked too perfect and that is why all the questions from me.

It plays super.

Blizz

I would say that ones a keeper. They are getting very hard to find at a decent price.

rgordon939 wrote:The new tops for the Model-O reproducers were made by Justin Schaub. He also makes the Automatic reproducers you see on eBay for $299.00. I believe all of the Model-O tops are unnumbered. All the Automatic reproducers are numbered 1534.

Rich Gordon

The repro Automatic on fleabay currently is serial number 131269 as are all of his Automatics. Justin describes that he retains the original with that serial number. I think that is rather noble of him. Looks like a high quality piece. fleabay item number 321393269349
Joe