Model Checking
Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2025 9:37 pm
Hello. How do I find out the model of a machine I have? Which part should I check? May I have a tutorial for both open horn and closed horn ones? Thanks in advance,
https://forum.talkingmachine.info/
Where do I find the ID plate on an Edison standard phonograph?OrthoFan wrote: Sun Jun 29, 2025 1:09 pm There's no tutorial that I know of, but if there is a model ID somewhere on the cabinet--some did not have any, especially many of the "one-off Victrola Clones" produced during the teens into the 1920s (see: https://phonographia.com/Factola/Factol ... nition.htm )--it may take some hunting.
The most obvious place would be on a manufacturer's ID plate, which is normally positioned in the playing compartment by manufacturers such as Victor, Brunswick, etc.. In some cases, it may be found under the turntable. Another place to look is the bottom of the cabinet, or even inside.
If no model ID can be found, oftentimes, you can identify a machine's specific model by doing a web search for ads (via Google Image Search) or in old catalogues such as Sears or Wards, or others. (Doing a Google Book search -- https://books.google.com/ -- can be useful.)
If you have questions concerning the model of a specific phonograph/gramophone, you can also post a few images on this forum. One of the members may be able to identify it.
Wish I could be more helpful.
OrthoFan
So? What does that mean? Is it an MFG model?OrthoFan wrote: Sun Jun 29, 2025 3:17 pm I see the MFG plate in the photo:
Screenshot 2025-06-29 121359.jpg
Are you having fun here, trying to make monkeys out of people honestly trying to help you?MisterGramophone wrote: Sun Jun 29, 2025 5:13 pmSo? What does that mean?OrthoFan wrote: Sun Jun 29, 2025 3:17 pm I see the MFG plate in the photo:
Screenshot 2025-06-29 121359.jpg
I took a screenshot of the image you posted. I drew the red arrow to indicate what looks like the end of the metal manufacturers plate, which is mostly hidden under the mandrel. It's quite blurry, but you should be able to see it.MisterGramophone wrote: Sun Jun 29, 2025 5:13 pmSo? What does that mean?OrthoFan wrote: Sun Jun 29, 2025 3:17 pm I see the MFG plate in the photo:
Screenshot 2025-06-29 121359.jpg
Oh… manufacturers’ plate. That makes way more sense. I read it, the only info I could find was “Edison”.OrthoFan wrote: Sun Jun 29, 2025 6:39 pmI took a screenshot of the image you posted. I drew the red arrow to indicate what looks like the end of the metal manufacturers plate, which is mostly hidden under the mandrel. It's quite blurry, but you should be able to see it.MisterGramophone wrote: Sun Jun 29, 2025 5:13 pmSo? What does that mean?OrthoFan wrote: Sun Jun 29, 2025 3:17 pm I see the MFG plate in the photo:
Screenshot 2025-06-29 121359.jpg
"MFG plate" means manufacturer's ID plate. It's a common abbreviation for those of us too lazy to type out "manufacturers."![]()
Hope that's clearer.