How to Identify an Antique Edison Record Player
Identifying an antique Edison record player may be challenging, as Thomas Edison produced players from his early 1887 experiments until his company ceased operations in October 1929. As Edison was constantly evolving the phonograph, which had numerous makes and models, he was also evolving his company, trading under four or more different company names.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Magnifying glass or loupe
- Notebook
- Pencil or pen
- Access to local library or Internet access
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Edision Phonograph Identification
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1
Write down and familiarize yourself with Edison's famous phonograph keywords and the different companies he operated. These words will aid you in identifying certain names that exist on the players.
Types of phonographs include cylinder phonograph, Edison standard phonograph, concert phonograph, business phonograph, disc phonograph (also special Army and Navy models), Edison portable disc phonograph.
Company names may include: Edison Speaking Phonograph Company, The North American Phonograph Company, The National Phonograph Company, Edison Manufacturing Company, and Thomas A. Edison, Inc.
Other keywords that may clue you into Edison's works are the "Blue Amberol Record" (unbreakable cylinders for his players), and Edison Diamond Discs.
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2
Use the magnifying glass or loupe and locate a nameplate on the model. Early Edison phonographs were equipped with a metal "brass stamp" or "tin type label" that contains the Edison name, type of player and last patent date. It should also include a serial number and other information. Most commonly these nailed down with one nail on either side. Early patents were poorly written, and it was not uncommon for other companies to steal, reproduce, or try to copy Edison's look or style, so finding this plate is your first step.
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3
Search for alternate identifying factors if the nameplate is not found. Phonograph models with horns should also have the Edison trademark or imprint in the horn itself. Gold painted script may exist on the player with Edison's name. Early Edison cylinder disc players would only be compatible with Edison cylinders (disc records so if your player is equipped with an Edison disc and is playing it, you may have an authentic model). Other indicators may be "Edison" in a script decal somewhere on the cabinet, or white paper stickers on the cabinet itself.
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4
Visit the local library, using your notebook and paper. In any library you can locate reference material to look for Edison phonograph identification which should be available in the antiques and collectibles section. Even better may be the Thomas Edison biography material, which will most likely include photographs of his work and early models.
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Use alternate sources for identification. If you have an unmarked Edison, it is possible to send photos to a reputable dealer for proper identification. To find one, consult local antiques stores, malls, or the yellow pages for anyone who may repair old players. The Internet also houses a plethora of information, collector's clubs, dealers, photos and model history.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are near Princeton, New Jersey, there is a archival collection of Edison's housed at the Princeton University Library which includes rare photographs and information worth seeing.
Auction sites and antique malls are a great source to view different Edison phonograph models. Once you view a nameplate up close you will know how they look and what to look for.
Edison players, (some models), can still be purchased at a reasonable price for the modern collector of today and parts are still common to acquire. Finding someone to repair an old player may be more of a challenge.
Beware of reproduction Edison phonographs and doctored-up fakes. Replacement decals, new brass (unmarked) horns, and fake "novelty Edison fake name plates" are available for purchase. (A magnet is being produced that looks just like a tin plate, and could easily be attached to the player, throwing off an unknowing would-be collector.) An off-brand player can be made to look like a real Edison with these few shady improvements. Consult a professional before investing a lot of money into something that looks too good to be true.
