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Edison Home model B decal

Hi, I bought this from a woman who was not a collector. She had it for decoration and it appears to have been refinished, since the decal is obviously a reproduction. Looking at George Frow's book, page 88-89 shows a case that has a banner decal. Am I correct in removing this decal and using a banner reproduction instead?

If I am mistaken about what model I have, please correct me. The serial number is H 228532.

Thanks much.
Derik

The color and cabinet finish look nice. But the decal was applied as the last step. I would apply a few more finish coats and I bet that decal would look fine. If you posted the serial number I bet someone could give you an accurate date of manufacture. Earlier B Homes had banner decals and later ones had script decals. It muddies the waters to apply a banner decal on a machine that should have the script decal. On the flip side, Homes are one of the more common models so do as you please. But maybe leave a note on the inside of the cabinet.

Jerry B.

Yes, I am wondering if they used the script decal later on in production. The serial number is H 228532.
Thanks,
Derik

According to original Edison factory sales data, Edison Home #228532 left the factory in November 1906. Prior to the summer of 1906, the Home had a banner decal. An article on the Edison Home Phonograph will appear in the APS quarterly magazine in 2024, which will include a dating chart by serial number. An article on the Edison Gem (with dating chart) appeared in the June 2023 issue, and a similar article on the Edison Standard will appear in the December 2023 issue.

George P.

Thanks George, for that info. It sounds like I wouldn't be in error to replace this with a reproduction banner decal. Do we know if this model ever had a script decal? Is there a registration someplace that someone is maintaining, where I can document my serial number?

Do we know if this model ever had a script decal?

The majority of Model B Homes had script decals, perhaps around 60%.

Jerry B.

derik_olson wrote: Sun Oct 08, 2023 8:34 pm Thanks George, for that info. It sounds like I wouldn't be in error to replace this with a reproduction banner decal. Do we know if this model ever had a script decal? Is there a registration someplace that someone is maintaining, where I can document my serial number?

You do not want a banner decal on your machine if you want it to be historically accurate. Your machine left the factory several months after the banner decal was discontinued.

The reproduction script decal currently on your machine is the style it originally had.

George P.

phonogfp wrote: Mon Oct 09, 2023 7:29 am

derik_olson wrote: Sun Oct 08, 2023 8:34 pm Thanks George, for that info. It sounds like I wouldn't be in error to replace this with a reproduction banner decal. Do we know if this model ever had a script decal? Is there a registration someplace that someone is maintaining, where I can document my serial number?

You do not want a banner decal on your machine if you want it to be historically accurate. Your machine left the factory several months after the banner decal was discontinued.

The reproduction script decal currently on your machine is the style it originally had.

George P.

Thank you, George, that is the answer I was seeking. I will leave it as is, although it sorta bugs me that it is not centered. Makes me want to re-do it. I was told by someone that higher quality decals are available today.
Derik

You can get an excellent Edison script decal here:

https://www.phonodecal.com/

Follow Gregg's instructions on how to apply it and it will look great.

George P.

Thank you George and Jerry.