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I´m informed this is a Standard F phonograph with an S reproducer, that will play both 2 and 4-minute records. I´m looking to bid on it, but am confounded by the pictures... I see no endgate, no way to close after one´s put the record in place, still there´s a hole in the mandrel? Other than that the only "but" would be that the case has probably been refinished - no decal - .

Happy for comments!

Snallast

This looks correct. The hole you see is on the mandrel shaft, although it looks like someone beat the h€•• out of the mandrel. There is no endgate on the Standard F.

Wes

Edison Standard models D, E, F, and G all lack endgates. With respect, I'm surprised that anyone would consider bidding on a moderately valuable machine like this without first educating oneself. You can learn about all the variations of the Edison Standard here:

http://www.antiquephono.org/spotters-gu ... honograph/

One note of caution: the end of the mandrel on the machine in question shows signs of having been hammered on in an amateurish attempt to remove it from the bearing that typically swells on these late models. That mandrel is permanently defaced (a replacement should be easy to find), and one can't help but wonder what other damage was done by the "handyman." If at all possible, this machine should be seen in person before bidding.

George P.

I note that the nut for adjusting the height of the horn which should rest on the top side of the crane is below, on the suspension rod and the only thing holding the horn up is the ball, (by no more than a couple turns). A potential accident waiting to happen. If you buy it, get that right.

Crane appears to be reproduction as they very often are and it's been refinished. Fortunately great decals are available nowadays from Gregg Cline.

Thanks for your answers! Great to get your points of view. Since it´s on auction I have little time, this machine might sell for little - in which case I will go for it. As I´m in Europe a new mandrel or other parts might not be so easy to come by, Edisons were never as common here as in the US, at any rate there are not all that many around, especially outside the UK.

I thought the colours on the end of the mandrel looked weird - it didn´t strike me it had been hammered on... just plain stupid maybe?

If I get it I´ll post some more about the machine in question.

Snallast

For the sake of accuracy, I should amend my earlier statement to include the Model C Standard among those models without endgates. My thanks to an alert pal for pointing that out!

George P.