The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hey Guys, I may be venturing into some new territory. I am going to see an Edison C-4 radio, phono combination. I know the background on the model,last model from the company, plays only needle cut records etc. I have done some research and it sounds like it would cost me around $500 to have others repair the radio and phonograph. I would do the cabinet.How many were made? I know it's low but can't find any sort of figure. I have attached a few pictures and would like to get some ideas on this. Is there anything I should be looking for that is not obvious? It's pretty rough and would like to hear some thoughts from you guys. Thanks

I tried to sell a restored and operating one a few years ago for $500 -$600 and had no takers.
I would watch how much money I invest. If it your own time then it is all free.

I refinished one a few years ago for someone and they are nice looking, but the market is pretty weak for them. It had to have the power transformer replaced and the speaker needed work as well along with all the usual stuff. I think Edison had trouble with those power transformers right out of the chute though. And it had always been kept in a dry place. It refinished very nicely though.

Skihawx wrote:I tried to sell a restored and operating one a few years ago for $500 -$600 and had no takers.
I would watch how much money I invest. If it your own time then it is all free.

Thanks I saw how low they have been selling. Hard to believe with such a nice looking, working machine. It would be added to my collection (always wanted an old working radio) but I am worried about the cost it would take to get her going again.

EarlH wrote:I refinished one a few years ago for someone and they are nice looking, but the market is pretty weak for them. It had to have the power transformer replaced and the speaker needed work as well along with all the usual stuff. I think Edison had trouble with those power transformers right out of the chute though. And it had always been kept in a dry place. It refinished very nicely though.

Wow, she really did come out nice. Thanks for the input and photos

The last 4 C4's I restored averaged $425, two needed power transformers, 3 needed speakers re-coned. What condition are the chassis? If you have rust you are looking at a good probability one or more transformers are bad, besides the power transformer the interstage is a weak point.

Chuck

ChuckA wrote:The last 4 C4's I restored averaged $425, two needed power transformers, 3 needed speakers re-coned. What condition are the chassis? If you have rust you are looking at a good probability one or more transformers are bad, besides the power transformer the interstage is a weak point.

Chuck

I am going to look at it tomorrow. I haven't seen anything but the pictures I posted. Thank you, these posts are very helpful.

I have owned two C-4s. I sold one for $600 because I got a better one. Then I sold the better one, which was in Excellent condition on the cabinet. I had the pickup rebuilt by George Epple and it sound great for 78 rpm records. Then I sold it for just $500 in order to get the more desirable and rarer Edison C-2 (1928) which can play both DD's and 78s. It takes a serious Edison collector to buy one these Edison radio/Phonos, but they are definitely worth having!!! Besides the C-2, I also have a beautiful Edison R-6 and an R-7 both from 1930, which were the last products from the Edison phonograph and radio division. To the poster above, wow! you sure know how to restore a cabinet so it pops!

I just added pics of my old C-4. Gosh! I can't believe I sold it for just $500!

Well, I just couldn't do it. She came down to $200 but it just didn't seem worth the time and effort. Maybe if my other projects were finished and /or she had a few Edison needle cut records to go along with it, I would have changed my mind. Thanks for the help. Gary