The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello All,

I have been trying to track down information on an Edison Diamond Disc, model W19. Serial number: 14484. It has a medalion on it mentioning it is a laboratory model.

I am looking at adding this to my collection, is it a worthy addition?

I have been struggling to find information on this model specifically, where does it sit in comparison to other models?

Regards and many thanks

Steve

That's a nice machine. It's in the English "William and Mary" style. If it's in good condition, I think they're great and pretty attractive and sound great.

It should have a two spring motor and a large (No.250) size horn, the same as the Chippendale Model C-250/C-19 which were also known as "Official Laboratory" models. That term basically just signifies that it used the large horn and a two spring mechanism.

The only downside is that it has around half the amount of disc storage as a Chippendale model (C-250/C-19).

Have a look at this one, shown on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4jhte5SYn4

Notice the legs. Very often, they have been removed. Be sure the one you're interested in still has them. Is it a worthy machine to add to your collection? Well, if you like it and it's in nice condition and priced fair, then yes, I'd say it's worthy. Don't collect machines based on what others think about them. You're buying the machine for yourself and for your enjoyment.

I agree. I do like it for my collection, was more curious as to where it sat amongst the models.

It has an unusual grille design compared to photos of other similar models. Does anyone know if this is original to the machine?

I agree. I do like it for my collection, was more curious as to where it sat amongst the models.

It has an unusual grille design compared to photos of other similar models. Does anyone know if this is original to the machine?

Goodmorning phonosteve,
Here are some pics of my edison W-19 from about 1920 serial# 14871
Which is very close to your # , mine is all original except for the grill
Cloth. If you have any question i will try and answer them if you want
To pm me.
Gene

Phonosteve wrote: Fri Feb 11, 2022 9:30 pm I agree. I do like it for my collection, was more curious as to where it sat amongst the models.

It has an unusual grille design compared to photos of other similar models. Does anyone know if this is original to the machine?

That is not the correct grill. It has also been refinished.

Worth noting: that's an Edisonic ("New Standard") reproducer. Those alone are worth some $$ if properly restored. But I wouldn't spend too much on the machine overall; as others have noted, it's been refinished in a way that doesn't come close to matching the original, and that grille is very wrong. The W-250/W-19s don't turn up all that often relative to their "C" counterparts, but I get the impression they're not something for which collectors pine, either.

The William and Mary machine also came in two designs. The earlier ones had a drawer for the records, and the later ones had a swing out door.