The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I recently acquired an Amberola A (I), and in the course of inspecting it, of course checked the serial number. It was two digits away from another one I had. Both were found in California, in the Central Valley, but one had a dealer tag and the other didn’t. This leads me to believe that they were together from factory to train to Fresno, but then got sent to different local dealers.

In any event, it makes me wonder whether someone has been compiling serial number information for the big Amberolas, here or elsewhere. Seems to me Terry Baer might have, and I’ll check with him. Anyone else?

Back in 2008 and 2009 I was doing research on Amberola 1As and 1Bs, and posted a questionnaire here. The resultant articles appeared in the APS magazine that year.

George P.

And so, for those of us who didn’t subscribe at the time, might you be able to post the articles here? Saw you just did it for the Home article...

Pretty please?

Well, the serial numbers were raw data, and there wasn't much of that reflected in the articles beyond total production figures. ...But if you want them, Peter, here they are, in all their black & white glory. (I've clearly been spoiled by the full-color magazine we've had over the past 8 years!)

Note: The "Amberola Pt. 2" article does not have the "One Collector's Perspective" sidebar added, so it must have been a galley I saved rather than the final edit. You may find punctuation errors and other gremlins too...

George P.

Ah George, you’re awesome, as anyone can see.

Thanks for sharing the light of your vast knowledge with those of us who are stumbling in phonographic darkness!

Good grief!!