Edison A250 Motor Plate Ser #1388-A1

[CDBPDX]

Just got a nice looking Edison A250 motor and motor plate with serial number 1388-A1.

Would it be correct to assume this serial number would be the same as the phonograph it came with?

What does the A1 stand for? It is a 2 spring A type motor. The turntable brake is the early type.

Date of production 1912?

Thanks! Cliff

[EarlH]

The serial numbers should match what's on the ID plate. I don't think Edison did it that way after the A series machines.

[Valecnik]

Just got a nice looking Edison A250 motor and motor plate with serial number 1388-A1.

Would it be correct to assume this serial number would be the same as the phonograph it came with?

What does the A1 stand for? It is a 2 spring A type motor. The turntable brake is the early type.

Date of production 1912?

Thanks! Cliff

I know of A-250 numbers between 161 and 14444 so your motor would be toward the lower end of the range. Is there a dated paper tag on the inside of the back door? That would help with the dating. I've seen those from 11-20-12 to 8-20-14.

The "A1" at the end of the number denotes it as a 250 model. The A-150 motor is stamped xxx-A3 for the 150 model.

[CDBPDX]

I know of A-250 numbers between 161 and 14444 so your motor would be toward the lower end of the range. Is there a dated paper tag on the inside of the back door? That would help with the dating. I've seen those from 11-20-12 to 8-20-14.

The "A1" at the end of the number denotes it as a 250 model. The A-150 motor is stamped xxx-A3 for the 150 model.

Thanks for the info!

I only have the motor and motor plate. Looked like a motor worthy of a rebuild, so I bought it. No clue where the rest of it is.

Cliff

[CDBPDX]

No clue where the rest of it is.

Cliff

Actually, the rest of the hardware in still available on eBay by seller Texasmantiques.

Cliff

[CDBPDX]

I installed 2 new springs, reconditioned the governor, freshly greased/lubed everything else, and now it runs very nicely. All that's left is to clean it up and make it sparkle.

This is fun! Cliff

[CDBPDX]

Just put the finishing touches to this motor, it really runs great, now. I installed 2 new springs, rebuilt the governor, greased and lubed everything, checked all the adjustments, and this is the result. Cool!

You can see it running on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/4xGGzFuikAQ

Next..??

Cliff

[FellowCollector]

I installed 2 new springs

Edison Diamond Disc main springs are without a doubt the strongest and probably the most challenging of any phonograph main springs to install. And that includes the Triumph and Opera main springs which are also a challenge but not nearly as great as the Edison Diamond Disc main springs. Thankfully, most (that I've seen over the years) of the factory installed Diamond Disc mainsprings seem to be functioning quite well today. I can appreciate your accepting the challenge in replacing these potent springs. Presuming these were also installed manually on a daily basis at the factory in their day I'm guessing Edison and company hired some very burly employees to do it! By the way, the motor and bed plate look nice on this one!

Doug