Hello everyone and my HEARTFELT APPRECIATION for what has been provided thus far. To make it easier to keep track of a number of common variations in these fascinating and someone obscure early machines, I've put some time into developing a questionnaire that can be filled out and emailed to the group (see below).
Note that there are a number of questions pertaining to the grill, which I've added for the benefit of Brian Krapes who is reproducing quality grilles for a number of Edison Disc Phonographs. Submissions can be anonymous. The point is to add to the relatively sparse documentation of the variations found on these first- generation Edison Disc machines, so that we can all gain a better understanding of how specific examples of these models fit the overall picture of the earliest offerings sold to the public. With luck, serial numbers, dataplate dates and printed form dates may point to trends or even dates of manufacture, when compared to the features listed. An example of this is that my A-250 serial number SM-13417 can be dated to November to early December 1914, a narrow window of time of approximately 5 weeks, 93 years ago, because it has the tone modulator, which Frow indicates was begun during November 1914, and we know that the Edison Phonograph Works burned on December 9, 1914. As a result, we can establish that the serial numbers for A-250's in the late winter of 1914 were in the 13,000's. I realize that this isn't the most scientific approach, but with enough data from collectors we can attempt to fill the gaps. Please feel free to add information on A-60, A-80, A-150, A-200, as well as A-250 and higher priced models. The first line is for the model number. I'll post my own answers to the official questionnaire shortly for my two A-250's and my A-200. Best regards to all, Andy Baron To see early vs. late details, Refer to photos posted on: http:// homepage.mac.com/pjfraser/phono/PhotoAlbum233.html Directions from Peter Fraser on accessing these photos: the password is "pook2e" (no quotes). For large-scale versions of the pix, use the slideshow button, or single-click the individual shot in which you're interested. THE QUESTIONNAIRE: 1) Model number: (A-80, A-200, A-250, etc.): 1a) Serial number: (SM-_____); 1b) Serial number stamped on bedplate, under platter, if different: (_____ A1); 2) Type of start/stop levers: (Early / Late - non adjustable stop position); 3) Bedplate corner detail: (Early / Late); 4) Number of pivoting oil hole covers on bedplate: (1 or 2); 5) Tone modulator Present? (yes / no); 6) Type of key escutcheon: (Without nail holes / with nail holes - surface mount); 7) Depth inside the upper groove that accommodates top of grill: (1/4? / 1/2? or other); 7a) Tongue present at grill top & bottom, or is grill top & bottom width 3/4? smooth?; 7b) Thickness of fretwork portion of grill: (1/4? / 5/16? / 3/8? / other - please provide); 7c) Overall height of outer grill frame: (13 3/4?, 13 7/8?, other - please provide); 8) Louvres on cabinet as per Amberola A-1? (yes / no); 9) Side veneer, number of sections per side: (1 or 2); 10) Form 632 present? (yes / no); 10a) Location of Form 632: (inside of back door / floor of horn compartment / other); 10b) Printer?s date at bottom of Form 632: (none / 11-20-12 / 8-20-14 / other - please provide); 11) Latest patent date on dataplate: ( 8-26-11 / 3-11-13 / other - please provide); 12 Other notes: (Any additional information of interest); 13) Owner (optional):
