Edison Amberola 1A Question

[Honeybee327]

Hi everyone,
I've recently become the owner of an Edison Amberola 1A phonograph. It seems to be in excellent condition but the thing is, I know very little about it. I'll attach some photos and perhaps someone here could offer me a little insight on it, its history or what it might be worth. Thank you, I really appreciate it

[Valecnik]

A very nice and rare machine, very low serial no. More pictures please!

[Honeybee327]

Thank you. I've only got a few pictures of the inside and the drawers (which are filled with cylinders).

[VintageTechnologies]

That is the lowest S/N I recall seeing. The one I sold to a friend was not that early. You can find a lot of published information in books and probably online, so there is little point for me to repeat all of that here. Have you seen the Frow book on Edison cylinders phonographs? This model came out in 1909 and is unique in that it plays both 2 and 4 wax minute cylinders if you have the correct Model "M" reproducer. I paid $1,300 for a Model "M" several years ago. It can also accept Model "L" (4M wax only) and Diamond "A" (Blue Amberol) reproducers. You have the Diamond "A" reproducer. The later Opera phonograph was offered with a simplified (and quieter!) motor that played only 4M cylinders. A pristine 1A with Model "M" in the right market should fetch at least $5,000 as a conservative estimate - opinions may vary.

[Gleemanguy]

Congratulations, You done real good. Your 1A is a very desirable acquisition. Yours has the Lyre grill as opposed to the Rococo. It is worth a bunch! Were you lucky enough to get both Reproducers (M and DD)? I am really excited for you. It is a truly impressive phonograph in both is quality and appearance.

[gramophoneshane]

Think you'll find some info here.

http://www.edisondiamonddisc.com/

Dont know about value in USA, but here they're about the price of a good secondhand car.

[Jerry B.]

Congratulations! You've found a very desirable machine. I think the very early cabinet, like yours, is the most sought after cabinet style. I think the $5000 estimate is close to the mark. I see a Royal Purple cylinder. Are there more than one? My only suggestion is to remove the grill cloth and don't replace it with anything. Jerry Blais

[gramophoneshane]

Congratulations! I see a Royal Purple cylinder. Are there more than one?

I was at a friends place on the weekend. He's got a 1A & every drawer is full of Royal purples. I think he needs 5 more titles to complete the set!

[Honeybee327]

The drawers are filled with cylinders and I think there might be a few royal purple ones, not 100% on that though. Are royal purple ones hard to come by?

[gramophoneshane]

The drawers are filled with cylinders and I think there might be a few royal purple ones, not 100% on that though. Are royal purple ones hard to come by?

Some titles are, but they seem to be very desirable to most cylinder collectors. In good condition, even the more common titles tend to sell for at lease $60 each.