The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I've had this for awhile and finally did a little historical digging. What we see here is the work of one Frank Lesley, an Edison phonograph dealer in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1905, who took it upon himself to stain and painstakingly inscribe his name and address into the inside dome of this top body. It is also dated, too: 11-23-5. I found a number of ads from February through July 1905. It looks like he was a dealer of disc and cylinder phonographs at least through 1909, based upon extant newspaper advertising.

Price is $50 shipped. Might be nice to find its way into the hands of an Indiana collector?

That's a fun discovery.
Better that you could find the shop in print.

James.

Oops, just realized this is not the discussion section. Carry on...

It also says, "Special". Any idea what makes it special?

JerryVan wrote: Mon Jan 17, 2022 12:43 pm It also says, "Special". Any idea what makes it special?

No idea what makes it special. I received it without a weight along with a bunch of parts so if it had some sort of modified weight or stylus assembly that made it special it’s been lost to time.