The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Is this the Transitional Automatic Reproducer as described in Frow's Book?
Early National Phonograph license details with no carrier arm notch and a low serial #, (2527).
It carries an unmarked Model B weight, and an adjusting arm as used with speaker clamps.

Cheers, Bob S.

Was there ever a time when every Edison Phonograph leaving the factory was equipped with a reproducer that looked like, and collectors today would call, a "Model B" reproducer even though it may not have been stamped "Model B"?

Steve Medved contributed a series of articles in the APS magazine on virtually every type of Edison Reproducer. I can't find the article in my files, but a search of the APS online Library can find it. Anyway, the Automatic did transition into the Model B. It's up to each individual as to whether the pictured example is a late Automatic or an early Model B. Based on the 4-digit serial number, I'd vote for "early Model B."

George P.

I guess the Gem had it's own special reproducer so I'm thinking of the Edison Standard, Home and Triumph machines.

Based on the 4-digit serial number, I'd vote for "early Model B."

George P.

George, I tend to agree with your assessment as an "early" Model B, but according to Frow there was never an adjusting arm on the Model B and a B was normally stamped on the weight.

Bob S.

Zwebie wrote: Thu Jan 08, 2026 1:05 pm

Based on the 4-digit serial number, I'd vote for "early Model B."

George P.

George, I tend to agree with your assessment as an "early" Model B, but according to Frow there was never an adjusting arm on the Model B and a B was normally stamped on the weight.

Bob S.

Bob,

With all respect to George Frow, I happen to own a Model B with an adjusting arm, and the weight is marked "Model B!" Edison needed to supply the new Reproducer to those who wanted the improvement for their older Phonographs equipped with speaker clamps and the adjusting screw. The Frow book contains its share of mistakes, but it's still a landmark book and belongs on every serious collector's bookshelf or Apple/Mac product.

I still fall back on the fact that the pictured example lacks an upper compression ring, lacks the Automatic tube plate, and carries a 4-digit serial number. It seems obvious to me, but potato/potahto...!

George P.

I would say the first transitional automatic is just as you pictured it in the first post picture—except—with a regular automatic top. The latest automatic reproducers had a hinge block and a limit loop! i have 2 of them, but I am not home to post a picture.

Mike Sorter
Riverside, CA

And just like George said, I also have a couple of Model B reproducers with the side arm.

And, I also have a similar serial number on a couple of reproducers exactly as you have posted. No marking on the weight—it basically appears to be an automatic when you are looking at the back side, or a Model B with no markings. Sorry for the awkwardness of my post—I am doing this from my phone.

Mike Sorter

Thank you everyone for your input!

I have come to the conclusion that this is indeed an early Edison Model B Reproducer.

Cheers, Bob S.