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New member, “new” Standard
Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2023 8:42 am
by mrbechet
Hi all, newbie here looking to learn what I can.
I’m assuming this is a Standard Model A (S86682). I got it running last night and am planning to clean it up. Any help and guidance is appreciated!
Mark
Re: New member, “new” Standard
Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2023 10:40 am
by phonogfp
Welcome!
Your machine is indeed an Edison Standard Model A. It looks like it will clean up nicely.
The Antique Phonograph Society has a number of free articles on its website. Just click on the "Introductory Articles" button near the top, and you'll see a 2-page Table of Contents:
https://www.antiquephono.org/#/collectiondetails/16
This article may be especially helpful:
https://www.antiquephono.org/#/collectiondetails/16
APS members receive a quarterly 60-page, full-color magazine full of interesting articles. The next issue (December 2023) will have an article on the Edison Standards (Models A-G) including a graph which will allow owners to date their machines to the month and year, up to and including May 1908.
Best of luck with your Standard - they're great machines!
George P.
Re: New member, “new” Standard
Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2023 11:44 am
by AmberolaAndy
phonogfp wrote: Sat Sep 09, 2023 10:40 am
Welcome!
Your machine is indeed an Edison Standard Model A. It looks like it will clean up nicely.
The Antique Phonograph Society has a number of free articles on its website. Just click on the "Introductory Articles" button near the top, and you'll see a 2-page Table of Contents:
https://www.antiquephono.org/#/collectiondetails/16
This article may be especially helpful:
https://www.antiquephono.org/#/collectiondetails/16
APS members receive a quarterly 60-page, full-color magazine full of interesting articles. The next issue (December 2023) will have an article on the Edison Standards (Models A-G) including a graph which will allow owners to date their machines to the month and year, up to and including May 1908.
Best of luck with your Standard - they're great machines!
George P.
looking at the Serial number is February 1903 a good guesstimate for when it left the factory?
Re: New member, “new” Standard
Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2023 1:28 pm
by phonogfp
AmberolaAndy wrote: Sat Sep 09, 2023 11:44 am
looking at the Serial number is February 1903 a good guesstimate for when it left the factory?
You're close, Andy. I've been posting too many of these online over the years!
Standard #86682 left the factory in March 1903.
George P.
Re: New member, “new” Standard
Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2023 6:56 pm
by AmberolaAndy
phonogfp wrote: Sat Sep 09, 2023 1:28 pm
AmberolaAndy wrote: Sat Sep 09, 2023 11:44 am
looking at the Serial number is February 1903 a good guesstimate for when it left the factory?
You're close, Andy. I've been posting too many of these online over the years!
Standard #86682 left the factory in March 1903.
George P.
Ok a little earlier in the month than mine!
Re: New member, “new” Standard
Posted: Sun Jan 28, 2024 2:06 pm
by mrbechet
Got it working, including @crank_it_up’s 2/4 conversion kit. I’ll decide on how to handle painting / finishing the bedplate once it warms up and I can spray paint outdoors.
Re: New member, “new” Standard
Posted: Sun Jan 28, 2024 2:46 pm
by JerryVan
mrbechet wrote: Sun Jan 28, 2024 2:06 pm
Got it working, including @crank_it_up’s 2/4 conversion kit. I’ll decide on how to handle painting / finishing the bedplate once it warms up and I can spray paint outdoors.
IMG_2071.mov
I would really encourage you to reconsider repainting the bed plate. I suggest you first do your best to clean & polish what's there. You could then re-stripe as needed. An imperfect original finish is far preferred over a repaint. However, I realize the machine is yours and subject to your desires. You have a very nice example.

Re: New member, “new” Standard
Posted: Sun Jan 28, 2024 10:04 pm
by mrbechet
Thanks for your advice. I’m definitely hesitant to repaint it black and cover anything up. My sense is that a machine like this needs to show its age, but i lost a lot of the pinstriping and want to replace that and cover it with shellac, if that’s possible. I’ve read they were hand-striped, so I feel a bit better about doing that.
Other than that, new feet, belting, a handle bolt, and rubber washers, it’s all original. I got a lucky find.
Re: New member, “new” Standard
Posted: Mon Jan 29, 2024 11:43 am
by JerryVan
mrbechet wrote: Sun Jan 28, 2024 10:04 pm
Thanks for your advice. I’m definitely hesitant to repaint it black and cover anything up. My sense is that a machine like this needs to show its age, but i lost a lot of the pinstriping and want to replace that and cover it with shellac, if that’s possible. I’ve read they were hand-striped, so I feel a bit better about doing that.
Other than that, new feet, belting, a handle bolt, and rubber washers, it’s all original. I got a lucky find.
Here's what many of us use for re-striping. Careful application and an overcoat of shellac can produce a great result.
https://www.phonodecal.com/shop/phonogr ... b-bedplate
https://www.phonodecal.com/blog/how-to-apply-decals