The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Released today! The next Episode of How Does That Coin-Operated Phonograph Work, this time on the Edison Excelsior.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgRD7dDlbKw

Enjoy

Shawn

Shawn,

Excellent!

Why do you suppose they went to the Model D reproducer? The extra clearance was not needed for the same reason as for the Concert machine. Wouldn't a B or C work just as well?

Really nice descriptive video Shawn! Beautiful example too!
Thanks for posting.
Bob

That is an excellent question, Jerry! The short answer is, I haven't figured that out yet. The model B, C, and D were all introduced in 1902. And yes, a model B or C works just fine in the machine. The Bijou, the smaller Edison peer of the Excelsior used a Model B.

I originally thought it was a typo in the catalog (should have been "B" not "D"). However, I've seen multiple variations of different catalogs for the Excelsior. All state it came with a model D. And In fact, if you look at the close up picture in the catalog, you can see a tail weight, with a shallow angle - a Model D.

So there you go!

Shawn

Thanks Bob!!!

Shawn

Shawn wrote: Fri Jan 10, 2025 10:31 am That is an excellent question, Jerry! The short answer is, I haven't figured that out yet. The model B, C, and D were all introduced in 1902. And yes, a model B or C works just fine in the machine. The Bijou, the smaller Edison peer of the Excelsior used a Model B.

I originally thought it was a typo in the catalog (should have been "B" not "D"). However, I've seen multiple variations of different catalogs for the Excelsior. All state it came with a model D. And In fact, if you look at the close up picture in the catalog, you can see a tail weight, with a shallow angle - a Model D.

So there you go!

Shawn

Coin 14.jpg
Coin 14 Close.jpg

I should have known, the answer is, "You saw it in the catalog"!

Awesome!!! The ad looks like it came with a brass bell horn?

Hi Shawn,

Great video of the Edison Excelsior. I have a mint condition cabinet for the Edison-Bell version. It uses the same mechanics.

So stupid question, as I think finding an original mechanism would be near impossible. Do you think its possible to convert an Edison standard to an Excelsior? Would it be complicated?

thanks very much

Thank you for the kind words on my video.

First, no question is stupid! Its all about learning and sharing.

The Excelsior was made from a regular square case Standard. So the casting is the same. To make it work with coin-operation, the basic Standard was then heavily modified with coin-operated parts on the top works, and coin-operated parts under on the motor. Then additional parts like the clutch crank and coin-chute were fitted to the coin-mechanism in the case.

So the short answer is yes, it could be done. In fact I have seen an Excelsior that is mostly reproduction parts, so someone in the past has made most of the parts.

It would be an undertaking that would require someone with solid machining skills to make the parts, and finishing skills (polishing, plating, fitting) to make them look credible. And you'd need an original to copy to get it all correct. A huge effort, but to complete a coin-op cabinet, a worthy one.

Good luck!

Shawn