The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi folks

I just thought I'd share news of my latest acquisition, if only to provide
the serial number of another surviving A-85.

In January 2015 I took possession of a butchered A-85 and posted details
and pics on the forum. At the time “budsta” (Stephen) stated that these machines
come up for sale from time to time here in Australia. Following that advice I
have been quite vigilant and was fortunate enough to spot one on EBay, and fortunate
enough to be able to purchase and pick it up yesterday.

Even though I’ve previously stated I now have enough to work on and keep me busy, this
opportunity was too good to pass up.

The machine, whose case has been restored (quite well) and for which I paid AUS$550, came
with a very loud and crisp DD reproducer, a 78 adaptable reproducer, 30 diamond discs (mostly
with a red “A” stamped on the label), and which are catchy tunes, 2 78s and a tin of needles.

It seems to be missing the sound controller and I can’t readily remove the grill, in fact I cant remove
it at all. The nickel plating including the turntable looks good as does the rest of the plating. When I
get the time I’ll pull it apart to validate it further. Attached are the pics from EBay.

Ade

Very nice, Ade. Thank you for sharing the photos.

Out of curiosity, does the data plate attract a magnet?

Fran

That is a very hard to find Diamond Disc Portable...

I have never seen this model...!!

Great find!

)

Tony K.

Edison Collector/Restorer

fran604g wrote:Very nice, Ade. Thank you for sharing the photos.

Out of curiosity, does the data plate attract a magnet?

Fran

Thanks Fran

I got that sinking feeling while reading your question, because I was also curious
about the data plate before I purchased it, and I still am, given I know little about
these machines

The data plate doesn't attract a magnet, and I also checked the other machine
in the "waiting room", (Serial no 814) and it also appears not to attract a magnet,
although I was unable to remove the small screws for fear of damaging the heads.

The two hyphens on the recent purchase data plate also raised questions for me,
as the earlier machine #814 has none and the numbers are spaced further apart,
though I thought that it could just have been a different person preparing the plate.

The Edison branding is silver in colour on the first machine I purchased, and I believe
this to be original, possibly to match the nickel plating? While the latest acquisition
has a gold branding/decal? and I am guessing this was placed there following restoration
of the cabinet? Is it possible the silver branding could have been hand painted?

I also noted there was no fading or marking behind the data plate on the recent purchase,
and I am putting that down to it's cabinet being restored. I'll probably know more after I
take out the motor/bedplate, but that will be a while as I'm in the middle of soundproofing
the attic bedrooms of my old house (inner city noise) during my spare time, in between f/t work.

Regards Ade

NEFaurora wrote:That is a very hard to find Diamond Disc Portable...

I have never seen this model...!!

Great find!

)

Tony K.

Edison Collector/Restorer

Thanks Tony

I am hoping that it is all the real McCoy, although
which ever way, between the damaged machine and
this latest purchase I might have a complete machine.

Ade