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Post by lucius1958 on May 23, 2012 1:30:30 GMT -5
Hi: Just registered here, to see if I can get some more specific responses on a machine I've just acquired.
It's a BC-34 "Baby Console", and it has some features that have made me wonder about its date.
First off, the serial number is SM-4585, which seems fairly early, considering the large number of machines made (over 50,000 in three years).
Secondly, it has the No. 100 horn, which according to George Frow, was only used on this model during the first two months of production.
Reproducer is serial number D11717.
Motor is single spring, with a two-weight governor.
On the other hand, the original turntable felt is orange, which some have informed me is characteristic of late examples. It also has the 10/12" key buttons, which seem to be commonly associated with the LP attachment, and which are said to be factory installed on late models.
The case looks like a varnish finish to me, although I am not familiar with the older wax finish, and may be mistaken.
Any informed opinions?
Bill
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Post by larryh on May 23, 2012 6:58:10 GMT -5
Bill,
The "Edison Disc Phonographs" shows production from mid 1922 though January of 1925, but the graft at the end of the book shows it for sale untill 1927. Those were probably unsold models left over. . It shows a very short run of what they called a waxed surface and the latter ones are said to be varnish. I Had a London Console which was Lacquer, perhaps it was cheaper to apply than varnish? I had thought the Baby of late period would be lacquer but evidently it is not. In phonographs the size of the horn and the motor all add to the enjoyment for me. But everyone is different. Rather than spend a lot on a smaller model I would attempt to find a 250 console or upright as they offer the best sound an are more substantially built. The prices for the larger often are not that much in many areas.
Larry
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Post by lucius1958 on May 24, 2012 0:55:19 GMT -5
Thanks, Larry: I have a copy of Frow's book. I was wondering whether anyone could provide more detailed information.
There is some mention of an attempt at producing 12" discs in 1922: I wonder whether the key buttons were introduced in anticipation of this?
As for the finish: I had noticed some drip marks inside the motor compartment, which made me think of a varnish finish. However, there is no sign of 'alligatoring' on the exterior, which one might associate with old varnish; the finish is fairly dull, and thin in spots. Is there some definitive way of telling a waxed finish from varnish?
Another detail: judging from a small scrap found underneath a tack strip, the grille cloth appears to have been a gold color, as on earlier oak machines. Can anyone confirm this?
Bill
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Post by larryh on May 24, 2012 8:07:11 GMT -5
Bill,
Yes the latter machines usually had a light golden, brown type toned material, often with a sort of diagonal set pattern of squares in it. I tend to look at a fabric store for a material that is a warm golden tone that has some running darker streaks in it which gives it that sort of patterned effect even though its not the original.. Runs of the finish, I wonder if someone over coated the original as it rare to see obvious finish defects such as a run in most cabinets.
I know their are probably test on google for determining the type of finish. I know that for most phonographs the non waxed versions were either shellac or varnish for most of the time till late when lacquer became popular. To tell if its shellac you can dab a bit of denatured alcohol on the back of a leg or under a part enough to see if it tries to remove the finish. Varnish would not be effected by this test... Again, lacquer would quickly melt if a bit of lacquer thinner was applied to the surface as well. Wax would be quite dull and I don't see how it would show Runs in the finish since its not applied as a wet finish to my knowledge, but I could be wrong.
Possibly someone has information on the machine ages by serial numbers. I know some machines that information is out there but not sure about edison. My guess is that if anyone knows it Ron Dethlefson and he mostly is on the Phonolist site.
Larry
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