Edison Disc Machines

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Model C-250 "Chippendale"


Introduced in December of 1915 for $250.00 (hence the model number), the C-250 was quite popular with the public.	Gold-plated hardware was standard on the C-250.	From early 1919 there were two drawers for record storage. Earlier models had two compartments with wooden dividers.


In April of 1919, the C-250 was renumbered C-19. This machine, in golden oak, has been expertly restored by Roy Marganeu.	With gold-plated hardware, this is one classy machine.	The C-19 was equipped with two vertical record racks, each holding 36 Edison discs.


Introduced in early summer, 1919, the Italian-Umbrian was one of the least conspicuous and least successful of the Edisondisc phonographs.	The flap lid with pronounced overhang opened to reveal dull-finished hardware and a record cupboard for 36 records.	Offered only in walnut, the cabinet is styled after an Italian credenza - or "credence", which is a side-table for the elements of the Eucharist.


Originally selling for $175.00 (a bargain compared to other similar machines), the "Baby Console" was one of the hottest selling Edison disc phonographs ever.	It sold so well, in fact, that it was referred to as "The Company Leader" and "Star of the Line".	The cabinet was available in brown mahogany and Edison Brown, and sported a central flap lid, and two record cupboards set on either side of the motor compartment, with a capacity for 38 records.

Model WMC-33 "William and Mary Console"


Introduced in 1922, the WMC-33 was designated an "Official Laboratory Model".	The original price tag was $325.00.	A scissor stretcher accents the four turned legs of the mahogany cabinet, which had cupboards for 34 records on both sides of the motor compartment.

Inlaid borders reflect the King William period.	Satin finish hardware was standard on the WMC-33. The motor was a double spring, and it sported a No. 250 horn.	The WMC-33 was never a popular model with the public, and was last offered for sale in 1927.


I purchased this mahogany H-19 from George Vollema at Great Lakes Antique Phonographs. It is entirely original (un-restored), with the exception of the grille cloth.	The fleur-de-lis "sheaves" grille wasn't very popular when it was introduced.	With gold-plated metal parts, this is a handsome machine. It sounds surprisingly good.

Model H-19 "Hepplewhite" with shield grille


This version of the "Hepplewhite" is identical in every way to the H-19 above, with the exception that this (later) model has a different style of grille design.	This particular design, referred to as the "shield" grille, is the second style of grille design, adopted in 1922.	This machine is original (unrestored), save for he turntable felt and grille cloth.


The B-200 was not intended to represent any pure type of furniture, but it was sometimes labeled "Queen Anne" The cabinet is mahogany, and stands on four cabriole legs with casters.	The B-200 is powered by a single spring Type B motor. This particular machine has a maroon enamel top plate with decorated corners.	A single record drawer with a glass knob holds around 35 Edison discs between wooden dividers.


The C-200, with Adam-style mahogany cabinet and Rococo grille, did not become the success that was hoped for in 1915. The cabinet sits on four tapering legs with casters.	The single spring Type B motor used in the B-200 was retained in the Adam model. The hardware is gold plated.	Edison discs are stored in a single record drawer with cards and indices for filing.


The four "London" models came about in the early months of 1922 when a "junior model" with a full-length cabinet and record filing space was introduced to sell at $75.00.	First known as the "Junior" models 1 through 4, the name "London" was a reference to New London, Wisconsin - home of the Edison-owned Wisconsin Cabinet and Panel Company.	The LU-37 was the first Edison Disc phonograph with a record cupboard to sell at $100.00. The public felt this was a bargain, and the LU-37 enjoyed a very successful sales-life both in the U.S. and abroad.


First introduced in August of 1922, the "London No. 4" cost $135.00.	Standing on four squared legs that taper down to a swell just above each foot, the "London Console" is quite "box-y" and simple.	The left side of the double-grille opened to reveal the record storage.


Made of "the best-grade lumber in strips 5" and 8" wide, tongued and grooved, bound with sheet iron around the top and bottom, reinforced at the corners, and assembled with screws", the Army and Navy model was built to last.	The name was stenciled on the lid, and the 100-pound case had two carrying handles. This particular model is painted in army drab, but they were also available in navy blue.	Introduced in May of 1917, the Army and Navy model was usually purchased by churches and/or civic groups, and then donated to military units. Those A&N phonographs that survived the war were either taken home by a soldier or raffled off to a member of the military.


Each Army and Navy model was dispatched with a spare spring and barrel, oil, grease, and graphite. Operating instructions and directions on repairing and lubricating the motor were printed on a tough denim-like material and attached to the inside on the grille cover.	For traveling, the reproducer arm could be locked in the right-hand position, and the reproducer could safely be stored in a holder that was secured to the case. The turntable could be stored securely in the lid. Production of the A&N model was discontinued after the Armistice in November 1918.


The B-80 came about around 1914, offering several "improvements" over it's predecessor the A-80.		Both the A and B versions of the model 800 had a single spring motor that drove the turntable by means of a belt.

C-2 Radio Phonograph


The C-2 radio phonograph was first introduced to the market in 1928 at a cost of $495.00, less tubes.		The electric magnetic pickup plays both hill-and-dale AND needle-cut records.

C-4 Radio Phonograph


This one isn't a Diamond Disc machine, but is a very interesting Edison phonograph. The C-4 was one of three radio phonograph combinations offered by Edison.			It plays needle-cut records only, and has an automatic stop. The "innards" were restored in 2004 by Chuck Azzalina, and it sounds great!

First-style (undocumented) Needle-Type Portable


First introduced in January of 1929, this portable was made for the Edison company by the Prime Manufacturing Company of Milwaukee, WI.	The most noticeable contrast to the P-1 and P-2 Edison portables would certainly have to be the lengthwise opening of the machine, similar to other Prime portables sold under different names.	This Prime portable was the only needle-type phonograph that was offered with this particular reproducer: made of brass, it has needle-cut flash motifs and the Edison "E" cut into the needle bar cover.