The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

For those of us who weren't able to go to the show, how did it go for everyone? What kinds of fun goodies did you find to add to your collections? I hope everyone had a smile going on under those masks, buyers and sellers.

We would all love to hear how the show went for each of you.

Thanx,
D.Edwards

I bought a few records and a Victor E. It was a great show with lots of records and phonographs available. You can do more at a show than on line since you are there and can see, check out deals, and visit. Yes, it takes time, effort, and planning to attend, but it was worthwhile! Don

I bought and sold, and had a great time. I only bought one machine - Edison Fireside Model A, Serial Number 46. Yes, that wasn't a typo. It's presumably the 46th Fireside off the assembly line...

Number 46! Wow - congratulations! Those earliest Firesides with the early bedplate decoration just don't pop up very often. I find it odd that this older decoration appeared on a machine that was introduced in mid-1909; well after the Model D Gems, Standards, and Homes with their decal bedplate decorations. It didn't take long for the Fireside to acquire decal decorations of its own.

Congratulations again - -

George P.

phonogfp wrote: Thu Aug 26, 2021 7:08 am Number 46! Wow - congratulations! Those earliest Firesides with the early bedplate decoration just don't pop up very often. I find it odd that this older decoration appeared on a machine that was introduced in mid-1909; well after the Model D Gems, Standards, and Homes with their decal bedplate decorations. It didn't take long for the Fireside to acquire decal decorations of its own.

Congratulations again - -

George P.

Yes, thanks, it's pretty interesting. Do you know if somebody has created a database of known Firesides? I am wondering if this might be the earliest known Fireside, or if there is an even lower serial number out there. I'm assuming that the machine was likely made during the first week of production.
It does have the simple gold striping and the tufts at the corners, and there is also no 2/4 minute indication on the bed plate that I can see, though the paint is quite worn on this one.

Mike

I'm not aware of any Fireside database, but these early examples have been discussed here before. Bruce Johnson has an early one like yours, but I don't recall the serial number. Fireside #357 (in a European collection) also retains the early style decoration.

George P.

Interesting!!

In the September issue of APS, in my article "I saw it in the catalog" I feature this version of the Edison Fireside. If you are a member, its a great read, with pictures!

Here is the text for the Edison Fireside specifically.

In the here and now, we see a Fireside from the initial production run of machines. It is easy to see that the pinstriping on this machine is like the earlier Edison Standard’s and Homes. Subsequently produced Fireside Model A machines obtained the more familiar, and more figural gold and blue pinstriping. As well, there is no 2/4-minute decal on this machine; that was introduced on later production models.


Shawn

I attended the Carl Householder auction in 1976. It was the first dedicated phonograph auction I'd attended (and the last one in decades) It was amazing. I confirmed on the price list (I still have) a Fireside Model A, K reproducer, Serial # 2 for $400. I have no idea who bought it.

There was guy named Patrick sitting next to me from Lancaster, CA with some very valuable machines: a class M Edison; a gold plated Triumph; an early tin foil replica; an excellent Berliner; etc. None of them sold as the deep pocket buyers were not there. But it was a good opportunity to show these machines off.

marcapra wrote: Thu Aug 26, 2021 6:42 pm There was guy named Patrick sitting next to me from Lancaster, CA with some very valuable machines: a class M Edison; a gold plated Triumph; an early tin foil replica; an excellent Berliner; etc. None of them sold as the deep pocket buyers were not there. But it was a good opportunity to show these machines off.

That Class M most surely appears to be a period made knock off.