The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello all,

Picked up an oak Edison A100 at a local auction today. It is sans grille cloth.

Did the A100 have grille cloth originally?

If so, what type and color was used for fumed oak models?

Clay

Does it have the original grille? If so, have you examined the backside closely for any remnants of cloth?

By 1915, when the A-100 was introduced, I believe grille cloth was standard on most Phonographs (if this statement can be proven incorrect, please correct it).

For oak cases, the Company tended to favor a gold/brown silk fabric.

Bill

There are no surviving remnants. The cloth on it when I bought it was of modern origin and poor quality.

I am hoping some of you out there have original machines and can let me know what the story is with yours.

Clay

My oak A-100 has a golden brown silky cloth.

briankeith wrote:My oak A-100 has a golden brown silky cloth.

Thanks!

Clay

FloridaClay wrote:

briankeith wrote:My oak A-100 has a golden brown silky cloth.

Thanks!

Clay

Look closely at the backside of your grill, BrianKeith, especially corners and the most protected areas. I think you might find that although it looks "golden brown" from the front, some protected areas on the backside will still be olive green, about the same color as the turntable.