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I need a serial # plate for an Amberola 30 project machine that I just completed. The plate was mounted to the bedplate behind the mandrel with two pins - don't know if I have seen this before.

Thanks,
Jim

Yes, the Amberola 30 had the ID plate on the bed plate behind the mandrel from about the 50,000- 140,000 serial range. Before that, it was usually inside the case on the right hand side by the grill and horn and of the same size. After that serial range, the plate size changed to a smaller brass plate usually on the left side of the lid. I have an extra ID plate, but is probably just a little too early for the bed plate variation, the serial number is 41451.
Regards,
Chris

Thank you, but I bought one last week on Ebay. I appreciate the serial number range info also. It seems to be very hard to find and even Frow's book has no real information which correlates ID placement with serial # ranges. In fact, he doesn't even mention the bed plate being a possible location.

Jim

Good to hear. One could make a pretty good collection of just Amberola 30’s if you started collecting by all the running changes these machines had. Like speed adjustment screw and pin striping on the governor cover on earlier models, the reproducer going from nickel to black, serial numbers with and without SM - prefixes, etc, etc. Good luck with your project!

Post a pic of the machine, and a pic of the bedplate and the Serial number (if you have it) and I will tell you the correct plate and its correct location...

There were 3 real seperate models of the Amberola 30 that were made...All with different differences...

If your serial plate was mounted behind the mandrel. Your machine is most likely a Series 2 Amberola 30 made from 1917-1918.

I have a Series 2 machine myself in my collection, The Serial number is #100659. It also has the Serial Number plate mounted behind the Mandrel.

"It seems to be very hard to find and even Frow's book has no real information which correlates ID placement with serial # ranges. In fact, he doesn't even mention the bed plate being a possible location."

Frow has excellent info his his books, but his books are not perfect and I've found quite a few mistakes in them over the years on various things. The best evidence are actual machines out there that have been untouched in original condition. They are the best guides usually. Lots of good info and knowledge is on this forum, just keep asking questions.


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Tony K.

Edison Collector/Restorer