Edison Home Model D

[Mickydoo]

I have an Edison Home Model D that has a Serial Number that got my attention (355000), which seems like it might be the last of the production run for this model. How would I know, is there a source of Serial numbers that shows where they started and ended?

Thanks!

[phonogfp]

Edison serial numbering for each of its various model Phonographs began, naturally enough, with No.1. In this way, it's theoretically possible to find the same serial number on two or more different models of Edison Phonographs.

Edison Home No.1 was shipped from the factory in October 1896. This style machine went through Models A-F using sequential serial numbering in a single block, and was in production until at least late 1913 (Model F). Your Model D Home's serial number would suggest early/mid 1909. (Martinola may be able to offer more on this.) Admittedly, it's a nice round number.

George P.

[Mickydoo]

Thank you so much George, I really appreciate the information.

Is there a definitive guide that I can obtain that gives me this sort of information for all Edison cylinder machines?

[phonogfp]

Thank you so much George, I really appreciate the information.

Is there a definitive guide that I can obtain that gives me this sort of information for all Edison cylinder machines?

You're very welcome.

Original Edison monthly shipping data exists from 1896 through May 1908, but it has not been published. Beyond May 1908, we can only estimate based on previous monthly numbers. Of course, the further we advance beyond May 1908, the more likely we are to make errors. Fortunately, several collectors have kept careful notes on machines observed over the years, and by being mindful of known production benchmarks, close dating estimates are often possible. One member, "Martinola," has documented a large number of Homes, and he may be able to help further.

Although there is no serial number guide, there is an excellent book titled, The Edison Cylinder Phonograph Companion, by George Frow. Unfortunately, it's out of print and the occasional copies that surface are usually pricey. There is an outstanding e-book of this title available from the Mulholland Press for a nominal sum. If you have a color e-reader (or other appropriate device), I'd recommend that route.

George P.

[martinola]

Hi There.

I'm a little late to the party (as usual). George's guess is probably better than mine. I've been trying to get an average production estimate from earlier known dates and have run into a snag.

I started by using a ship date of Dec. 1906 for #241339 and have compared that to the Nov. 1907 ship date for #299851. That gives me an average production of about 5300 per month.

However, I've recorded a bill of sale from P. Bacigalupi dated Mar. 31, 1908 for #332386. (George - might this number be on the sales data?) Anyway, this sales receipt would suggest a production of above 6500 per month which seems a bit high (maybe the christmas rush?).

I can only conclude that there's a lot for me to learn in regard to Homes. Mickeydo - if you're interested, I've attached a copy of my excel sheet on Homes.

Edison_Home_Data_10_28_16.xls

(397.5 KiB) Downloaded 135 times

This will at least give you an idea of what I've seen in the past 7 or 8 years.

Regards,
Martin

[phonogfp]

However, I've recorded a bill of sale from P. Bacigalupi dated Mar. 31, 1908 for #332386. (George - might this number be on the sales data?) Anyway, this sales receipt would suggest a production of above 6500 per month which seems a bit high (maybe the christmas rush?).

Martin, I knew you'd come through.

That Bacigalupi bill of sale is puzzling. According to the sales data, Home serials were at around 314,000 by the end of March 1908. By the end of May 1908 (when the sales data ends), production had reached only to 317499. Might that Bacigalupi bill reflect the sale of a Standard? Or is a number perhaps being misread?

George P.

[martinola]

Hi George.
After thinking it over last night, I think there must be something that either I misread or was written wrong on the receipt. (Every so often I catch myself starting to write "19" when I write the year. ) The receipt was handwritten in pencil if I recall correctly. I'll have to see if I still have the photo of it somewhere. I'm pretty sure it said Home. The Standard numbers were up to around the 600000s by 1908. Anyway, thanks for looking!
Martin

[Mickydoo]

Thank you both very much for the insightful and thorough responses. I really appreciate the help!