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SOLD

1897 Edison Home Model A “Suitcase”
$760 Shipped (in the US only)

Production began in late 1896 with a brass mandrel and brass governor weights. Starting in 1898, these brass parts were replaced other metals.

This case is in great visual condition, but not without signs of its life. The lid has had two old veneer repairs, a sloppy gluing of one end panel, and stress cracks at the handle. There's a small veneer chip on the inside of the lid. The lower case panels are solid. The bottom board has a minor warp at opposite corners.

The top-works received a complete cleaning. I also sympathetically touched-up bits of pinstriping, as-well-as the decal on the lid.

The motor was clean and only needed oiling. It preforms perfectly.

The longer slotted crank is from the later Model A.

Thanks for looking,
James.

Listen to it play …
http://www.ecommerceplayer.com/MediaPla ... b547f2c681

A point of interest. The name of its original(?) owner can be found under the lid and inside the case. My research found him to be a prosperous California rancher with an interesting family history. He’s a person with the correct income to have originally owned this type of home entertainment.
GUY HASKETT (1859 -1934)

Guy Haskett was born in Petaluma, California, December 19, 1859. He engaged in raising hay and potatoes for about twenty years, making this ranch his home and actively superintending all affairs pertaining to it. He has always achieved success in his farming enterprise, being one of the widely known stockmen in the vicinity, and is admired and respected by everyone.

Guy’s father, Samuel W. Haskett the local Wells Fargo agent and later marshal of Ukiah, California. Guy’s sister, Delia Haskett set the stage for California women as the first female Wells Fargo stage driver. In 1934, when the Pioneer Stage Drivers of California Association was organized, Delia was the only woman member.

Wow, really cool machine and awesome story to go along with it.

Priced to sell.

James.

Expert, rock solid packing.
The shipper can beat it, drop it, and kick it to your door.
This is how the Vic I was shipped.

Roaring20s wrote: Fri May 26, 2023 10:22 pm Expert, rock solid packing.
The shipper can beat it, drop it, and kick it to your door.
This is how the Vic I was shipped.

IMG_0821.JPG

I've bought from James on many occasions and can vouch that his packing is first rate. I've joked more than once that his boxes would survive a minor nuclear attack!

I have this exact machine, with a brass mandrel. It’s super solid and an absolute joy to have and play. This is an extremely good price on a really nice pre-1900 machine. You’ve gotta love these earlier Edison’s!

I have this exact machine, with a brass mandrel. It’s super solid and an absolute joy to have and play. This is an extremely good price on a really nice pre-1900 machine. You’ve gotta love these earlier Edison’s!

I'm surprised it isn't sold yet. I would be interested if I didn't have one already.

Same here. The fact that the original owner is known is a huge plus for me. Having this history and provenance makes it much much more valuable in my opinion.