phono
New Member
Posts: 12 
|
Post by phono on Aug 2, 2017 9:23:13 GMT -5
Hello, I bought this Amberola 30 some while ago. It is much smaller (i.e. in height) than any others I've seen. An experienced furniture restorer took a look at it. He says that the case has not been "cut down" and is the original construction. [Please ignore the use of the Model B Diamond reproducer and external horn. These were added by me to improve the sound.] Does anyone know anything about this machine, please? Thanks.  |
|
|
|
Post by lucius1958 on Aug 3, 2017 2:42:42 GMT -5
That is certainly not an original Amberola 30 case. An original internal horn would not fit into it.
Examine the case: are there screw holes for the lid hinges? Is there a slot for the lid stay? What does the interior look like?
BillS
|
|
phono
New Member
Posts: 12
|
Post by phono on Aug 3, 2017 4:15:24 GMT -5
Hello BillS.
Thank you for responding.
The case is complete... the lid was just removed to allow for the crane fixture. Yes, lid screw holes, lid stay slot and mechanism, interior looks original. There's a plaque inside the lid: "Trademark Thomas A Edison AMBEROLA", then in a panel, "30 SN 185452", then THOMAS A EDISON, INC. ORANGE, N J, U.S.A."
There's also an Edison logo in the lid... the word "Edison" in gold, fancy letters.
You are right about the horn. I bought one - when I thought it was a standard Amberola 30 - and it wouldn't fit.
Most strange.
I'm contacting the chap from whom I bought it ages ago. Perhaps he has knowledge of its history...
|
|
|
|
Post by nefaurora on Aug 4, 2017 2:53:43 GMT -5
Well, Where do I start on this one...
Amberola 30's have Internal horns ONLY as they are Internal Horn Machines.
The front grille that is on your machine is definitely NOT original to the machine, and it looks to be homemade. There are also four Non-Original holes drilled into the back of the machine's cabinet to allow for the Non-Original Cygnet Horn bracket that someone added at some point in the machines's previous life. Unlike earlier Edison External Horn machines, The mere fact that someone inadvertantly drilled four holes in the back of the machine to allow for a Cygnet Horn bracket, drastically affects the machine's value here. When it comes to the value of the Amberola 30 machines, It's all about the condition of the machine's wood veneer. If the machine's wood cabinet has holes drilled in the wrong places, and/or the machine's wood veneer is peeled or original wood veneer is missing, the overall value of machine is cut by about 60%. A $500 Amberola 30 machine is now a $200-$250 machine. If you have the original lid, You should take some pics of it and post it here so we can see if it is even worth saving. What I suggest is that you try to locate a decent lower cabinet with good veneer and a original front grille or reproduction front grille. It would definitely improve the machine's worth and overall value. The mechanics of the machine look to be in decent shape, but it looks like you will be looking for a correct Diamond "C" reproducer, and a correct Amberola 30 horn as well...but make sure that you get the right parts as there were three different Series of Amberola 30, and not all parts are fully interchangeable. Yours looks to be a final last Series 3 Amberola 30 judging by your Serial#185452 if the Dataplate is original to the machine. It would have been manufactured approximately in 1921.
Tony K.
Edison Collector/Restorer
|
|
phono
New Member
Posts: 12
|
Post by phono on Aug 4, 2017 4:26:02 GMT -5
Hello Tony.
Gosh!... thank you for generously sharing your knowledge and experience.
Sadly, the phonograph world in the UK is very different from in the US which, obviously, is the true home of such machines. I'd been looking out for an "Amberola 30" for years and, so, despite its peculiarity, I was happy to obtain it: I had 200 Blue Amberols that I couldn't listen to. At least, now, I can do so and they're giving me great pleasure.
I shall certainly take your advice about continuing to watch out for a replacement case.
Yes, the grill is homemade. Previously, there was just a void and I spent many happy hours with a fretsaw doing my best!
I have also made an internal horn and have obtained a Diamond C reproducer (at huge cost... collapsing pound, carriage, customs, fees) from the US.
Yes, it's a right mess... but "beggars can't be choosers"!
Once again, I greatly appreciate your comments and thoughts.
Barry.
|
|
