The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Are there any examples of very early Edison machines being converted to play four-minute records?

I remember an Advertisement seeing a bunch of models of Edison machines including early types adopted for 4 minute Amberol records.

I’ve seen at least 2 Edison Spring Motor phonographs with 2/4 minute conversion gearing on them. And a good number of suitcase Edison Home A phonographs with same.

Doug

I'm always a bit disappointed to see these conversions on early machines. Similarly, early machine cases drilled for cygnet brackets.

To answer the original question, yes, I have seen these conversions on early machines, but never on a Class M. Then again, how many Class M's have I ever seen.
(A guy that I spoke with at the Stanton auction mentioned that he has a dozen, as in 12. Wow...)

My early Spring Motor with a Class M upper works and a US Phonograph motor had a 2/4-minute attachment when I bought it. It also had a Diamond B and a nickeled mandrel. None of those things remain on it!

George P.

This is a spring motor I bought at a house auction a few years ago.
With combination attachment, Diamond B reproducer, and cygnet horn.
What's even more amazing is whoever did the upgrade didn't cut the cover to fit over the back bracket.
Chuck

Okay - there is a late Class M with a 2/4-minute attachment and a Model O Reproducer. I was unable to download the picture to this site, but it's shown on page 103 of Antique Phonograph Gadgets, Gizmos, and Gimmicks, by Fabrizio & Paul. Here's an informal snapshot...

George P.

Well, they were top-end machines, so some owners wanted to upgrade them, & get their money's worth.

-Bill

These photos and comments have made for an interesting topic.

How about some pics of the earliest Homes and Standards to be "Amberolized"?

Thanks, all!

Edison Home 3391. No bolt holes to accomodate a cygnet horn on the case. O reproducer is pot metal and stuck in carriage.