The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I picked up an Edison "E" key at an estate sale today and would like to know something about it. I checked the "old crank" keys site and he had a picture of the same key that just said that it was an "E" key and nothing more. I couldn't find anything else online.

Anyone know the particulars: What machines were sold with it, when were they sold, rarity, value compared to more common Edison and victor keys, etc?

Brad,
All models (with a lock) were issued with an E key in late 1919 or early 1920 as far as I know.

Yours appears to have that special finish used only on the W250 and possibly on the W19, something like a gunmetal, pictured on the below link albeit not very clearly.

http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... 250#p10995

If you don't have a great interest in it, a W250 owner missing his key may be a good prospective buyer.

Yes, it appears to have matched the oxidised copper finish.