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http://desmoines.craigslist.org/atq/5427168461.html

I never would have guessed.

Well obviously the seller knows nothing of the goods, and has a mixed lot of items.

But the Edison documentation is quite interesting - have we seen these Certificates of Authenticity before now? Is it an Edison factory item, or some dealer's additional marketing fluff, attempting to further capitalize on the "Official Laboratory Model" thing?

PeterF wrote: But the Edison documentation is quite interesting - have we seen these Certificates of Authenticity before now? Is it an Edison factory item, or some dealer's additional marketing fluff, attempting to further capitalize on the "Official Laboratory Model" thing?

These "certificates of authenticity" were given to customers who purchased Official Laboratory Models following a Tone Test. The wording states that the purchased machine is identical to that used in the Tone Test Demonstration of (date) and will pass the same test of direct comparison with the human voice, etc., etc... They are interesting, and I know a Forum member in Hemlock, New York who I'll bet would love to have a certificate from a C-250 (or C-19) like this one!

George P.

Hmmm! That's in my town...........but for that price I believe I'll pass,besides.......no more room!!

Dale

phonogfp wrote:

PeterF wrote: But the Edison documentation is quite interesting - have we seen these Certificates of Authenticity before now? Is it an Edison factory item, or some dealer's additional marketing fluff, attempting to further capitalize on the "Official Laboratory Model" thing?

These "certificates of authenticity" were given to customers who purchased Official Laboratory Models following a Tone Test. The wording states that the purchased machine is identical to that used in the Tone Test Demonstration of (date) and will pass the same test of direct comparison with the human voice, etc., etc... They are interesting, and I know a Forum member in Hemlock, New York who I'll bet would love to have a certificate from a C-250 (or C-19) like this one!

George P.

You're right George! I'd love one. This is the second one I've seen, the first was featured on someone's webpage, and was for C 19 #98720; dated May 1, 1920: According to my latest projections, this particular certificate was probably issued about 7 months after the C 19 may have been produced. (Don't take this as Gospel; my projection is just that, and could very easily change with new discovery).

I can't make out the SN on this one, can anyone else see it?

Fran

EDIT The blank area that would have the serial number recorded to (left of the words "encased in a...") was left blank.

Hmmmm
Interesting. I now wonder if this certificate may have been issued with the Brunswick by an unscrupulous dealer to an unwitting customer?

fran604g wrote: I now wonder if this certificate may have been issued with the Brunswick by an unscrupulous dealer to an unwitting customer?

I don't think so. The certificate specifies "Chippendale" and has "Edison" plastered all over it. A Craiglist seller in 2016 may not know the difference, but a phonograph purchaser in 1920 would have! The price also reflects the retail cost of a late C-250/C-19. This Brunswick was probably less expensive than that (although those Phillips-head screws in the lid hinge might have boosted the price! ).

The "Chippendale" could have been either an old stock C-250 or a C-19.

George P.

phonogfp wrote:

fran604g wrote: I now wonder if this certificate may have been issued with the Brunswick by an unscrupulous dealer to an unwitting customer?

I don't think so. The certificate specifies "Chippendale" and has "Edison" plastered all over it. A Craiglist seller in 2016 may not know the difference, but a phonograph purchaser in 1920 would have! The price also reflects the retail cost of a late C-250/C-19. This Brunswick was probably less expensive than that (although those Phillips-head screws in the lid hinge might have boosted the price! ).

The "Chippendale" could have been either an old stock C-250 or a C-19.

George P.

I completely agree, George. It is very odd that the serial number wouldn't have been recorded, though. One would think there was a reason for its omision.

Fran

The Brunswick looks nice - if someone could get it cheaper with the Edison papers it would be a good deal,,, yes ?

$300 would be fair for both in this market. Well, maybe $250 since it's missing the volume control knob.

I can't comment to any appropriate values for either, but if the "Certificate of Authenticity" where serialized I might pay $20 or $30 for it. Unserialized, it's still interesting, but it just wouldn't help me much with my research.

Pictures of the ensemble for posterity: