Where to look up Edison serial numbers?

[ts_13]

This might be a stupid question, but where can I look up my standard B's serial number? I was just wondering around what year it was made. #586170


Thanks!

[Lucius1958]

Check with phonogfp on this forum, and send him the serial number.

Bill

[phonogfp]

I've just responded to the OP's PM.

George P.

[CMcPherson]

I have the same question.
Is there a data base like there is for Victor?
I guess I could always just bother phonogfp.

[phonogfp]

You're always free to bother GFP.

It's necessary for me on occasion to explain my situation. Many years ago, I was made aware of the existence of original monthly sales data compiled by the National Phonograph Co. This data covers each model of Edison Phonograph sold by National from 1897 through May 1908 - where it abruptly (and unfortunately) stops. Since Edison serially numbered each model of its machines starting with #1, it's a relatively easy matter to extrapolate shipping dates for individual machines. (Over the 5 or 6 years I've had this data, the extrapolation has proved to be quite accurate with known production benchmarks.) So far, so good.

The gentleman who had (and still has) this data was reluctant to share it because he was planning a book and wanted to include serial number dating charts in the book. It took me seven years to convince him to share the data with me, and he finally consented with the understanding that I would not publish the data or the serial dating charts I developed from it until after his book was published. He also kindly consented to allow me to offer shipping dates to collectors who asked for them - even in public venues like this one. I'm happy to do so until such time that 1) the book is published, or 2) he gives consent to publish the data/dating extrapolations. I would love to have this information posted to the APS web site.

So that's my situation. I remain honor-bound to withhold publication, but I hope this situation will change in the not-too-distant future. Until then, ask away...

George P.

[CMcPherson]

Well I'm just glad that the info is available.
My Standard D serial #640435
Whatever info that you can share will be appreciated.

[phonogfp]

Ah, that's too bad. As mentioned, the known shipping data ends after May 1908. The Standard D was introduced in October, so it falls outside the range. I'm sorry!

Still, that's an early serial number for a Standard D. I suspect the cabinet has a low base. Are the bedplate decorations single lines or double?

George P.

[CMcPherson]

You can't even extrapolate because the model itself is made too late, that makes sense.
The bed plate has two stripes. The corners have the scroll pattern rather than the tufts of grass and the gear cover has one stripe.
It's funny how used to Victor manufacturing data readily available at my finger tips thanks to the Victor-Victrola website and two books.

[phonogfp]

The monthly Standard shipping numbers vary from approx. 7000 down to approx. 2000 per month over the first 5 months of 1908, so even estimating sales based on contiguous months would be pretty dicey. Still, based on Martin Kauper's excellent raw data, the Standard D appeared around 623,000, so yours is only about 17,000 into production. I'd estimate early 1909, but that's only a general estimate.

By the way, does it have a low base?

George P.

[CMcPherson]

I beleive it is a low base.
Thank you for the estimate.