The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

This is a photo of the data plate on my Amberola 30. Can anyone tell me what "SM--" before the number means? Any idea what the age of this machine might be?

Thanks,
Randy

Spring Motor?
Dave D

Yes. I have seen several later versions with SN before the number but SM seems a little strange. I wonder if it might have just been an error?

Duhhh.....you meant it might stand for Spring Motor.

I vote Spring Motor. The 30,50, 75 series of Amberolas was introduced in 1915 (Frow's book). That series of machines was well designed and performed well. As a result they sold in large numbers and that's towards the end of the cylinder era. It makes you wonder how long the cylinder era could have been extended had the Edison Company not made an assortment of Amberolas built from leftover Gems and Firesides and brought forward the great 30, 50, & 75 series.

Jerry B.