The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi All
I recently got this Home, which I think is a 'Long Case' model A # H50942, with several alterations by the previous owner.
It has a #11 cygnet horn, which has been repainted and an 'O' reproducer, which seems to be stuck in the frame and 2/4 min. combination fitted. It also has a different screw fitting holding the end gate in position?
I would appreciate any help identifying the machine, with any relevant dates and comments.
Thank you.
Regards Zapper

Your suppositions are entirely correct. Your Model A Home left the factory in March, 1902, and was of course originally configured tom play 2-minute records exclusively. (A detailed article on the Edison Home, including a dating chart, will appear in the APS magazine this year.) At some point after around 1910 (when the Model O Reproducer became available), the machine was upgraded to play both 2- and 4-minute records.

The end gate latch looks like those used in the UK for a short time as a result of legal actions by Edison-Bell. Any chance this machine was in the UK?

Hope this helps - -

George P.

Thank you George for your prompt reply. As usual a mind of information. I think the reproducer must be potmetal as it is firm in the carrier. You guessed correctly, I am in the UK.
Kind regards Brian (zapper)

The Model O Reproducers often swell in their carriages. If it needs to be rebuilt, I'd suggest removing the carriage and doing the rebuild in the carriage. Many Edison reproducers have been damaged while attempting to remove them from the carriage.

Nice machine!

George P.