The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I wasn't aware of an E250. Does anyone know if this is a typo, and if so, what model this is? I'm not too familiar with Diamond Disc phonographs with regards to distinguishing the details from one to another. Could someone shine some light on this one to help me learn a little?

Thanks!

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/atq/1872599601.html

Ok...I think I have this one figured out. Correct me if I am wrong, but is this a B-250? I just read that the A and B-250's were in a cabinet similar to the Amberola 1 and had the Rococo grill pattern, also like the Amberola 1. I found a picture of an A-250 and the base of the cabinet is a bit more elaborate than the one for sale above. I read that the cabinet was dulled down a bit around 1915 but couldn't find a picture of one. Is that what this is? If so, the E in "E250" is a pretty bad typo if they were trying to type "B250".

Anyway, are these rare/valuable phonographs? I don't recall seeing one before for sale, but like I said, I am not too knowledgeable in Diamond Disc phonos. At any rate, I do think this is a very attractive cabinet. I also like the maroon bedplate. I wouldn't mind having this one in my living room!

Thoughts?

You are right Sonny,

It's a B250. Something is wrong with the legs though. It appears they've been cut down or the knurled decoration removed. See the pics of the A250 I posted this week to understand what I mean.

http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... f=2&t=4386

Also the back trim panel which is supposed to be behind the horn is used to prop up the lid.

Otherwise the price would be in the ballpark.

Are you sure something is wrong with the bottom? I was reading about these and found that there was the original cabinet design followed by a later, and more simple cabinet style. Could that be what is shown in the listing above? Or do you think a "handyman" fixed them to look that way due to an accident that may have ruined one of the corners?

Bruce is right - - the legs have been cut down. The best source for information on Edison Disc Phonographs is the book by George Frow of the same title. This cabinet ("Modern Renaissance")was never offered with legs like that.

Attached is a photo of a B-250.

George P.

That's a very attractive phonograph, George. Thanks for sharing it.

Oddly enough, I started this thread last night and had forgotten that I have a copy of the book by Frow. After posting my question, I remembered that I have the book and read up on the subject.

Well, whoever modified the bottom of the cabinet didn't do too bad a job I suppose. It's a shame that it was changed from the original, but then again, I have seen far worse jobs where someone attempted to "shave" the corners of a decorative cabinet with hopes of making them look the same after damaging one.

SonnyPhono wrote:...Could someone shine some light on this one to help me learn a little?

Thanks!

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/atq/1872599601.html

the grill is upside down.