The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Evening all,

It's been awhile since I've posted here. I am in the process of building a new house so most of my machines are having a nap in storage and I admittedly have not been able to tinker in a long while which is a shame.

I am a phonograph and diamond disc kinda guy but I came across a genuine Edison radio some weeks ago and it has haunted me ever since so I bit the bullet and decided to purchase it for a very good price.

I know next to nothing about these radios other than it being an Edison model so I had to get it. It looks wonderful and I am genuinely excited for the challenge of restoring it.

Is anyone on the board able to shed some light on this model? Can anyone speak as to it's value, rarity, etc.
Would the serial number be able to shed some light on it?

Any help would be so very much appreciated.

The radio receiver is an Edison R5. It needs some love but it is all there. The serial number is 737810.

Many thanks ,

Steve (from aus)

Your radio was officially known as an R-8 - produced late in the run of Edison radios. The R-8 was basically an R-5 with some additional fancy appliques glued to the front. I have a brochure somewhere that advertises an R-8. I have only seen a few of them compared to the other models of Edison radios - so they are pretty rare. That said, value is somewhat problematic as there is not much demand for Edison radios. If there was a demand for them, I would be a wealthier man.

My 1930 Radio Service manual describes the circuit as a TRF (Tuned Radio Frequency) design that was similar to the Atwater Kent radio models 30,33,35,48, and 49.
These radios used 27, 45, and 80 tubes. The speakers field coil supplied the magnetic field and smoothed out the DC for the tubes.

Edison had an input for their magnetic pickup on their record player.

The design come from a company they bought out and was a last attempt to stay in the music business.

The tubes in the radio are very common and except for the 45 tubes are easy to find (I have them).

Marc

Thank you for all the information thus far. I thought it strange I could not find a picture that matched this model.
I really like the detail in the cabinet, it really gives it a luxurious exterior.

I do not know much about the tubes but I am glad they are still fairly common to acquire. Perhaps a silly question, would the radio still work with today's radio stations?

Agian, I am a cylinder guy and this is my first old school radio.

This radio was designed for the AM radio band. While the frequencies are still used, there isn't much music broadcast on them today in the USA. Maybe in other countries.

Caution needed when you first plug in an old radio. Many components could have failed along with the wiring. If not familiar with the technology, best to fine someone who is.

Marc

That's good to know. I am looking at finding a reputable radio repairer in Victoria, Australia that can do a mechanical repair. I am pretty savvy and will have a gander at it, check the voltage levels, etc and wires and inspect the tubes.

But I'd say due to age alone the tubes will be shot

In general,

Vacuum Tubes wear out from use, not from age. By the way, the type 27 tube is very common. The type 45, while many were made, has become special for some audio people. The 45 tube will cost more than a typical vacuum tube.

Personally, I do not believe the "hype" about the 45, but some people due.

Marc

Do you know if these radios are supposed to have backings on the back of the console or are they exposed?

I have never seen a back panel on Edison's 1929 series of radios (C-4, R-4, R-5) - which I am assuming, would include your R-8. That is interesting because all the 1928 and 1930 models that I have seen do have back panels. Missing back panels on the 1928 models are particularly problematic as the panel holds the ID tag with model and serial number.