New Edison owner with questions

[kalauver]

Hi everyone !
I just got my hands on a very good condition Edison Diamond Disc player. This player came with 30 diamond discs and about eight 78's. It also came with the 78 reproducer in addition to the diamond tip reproducer. It's beautiful!

I'm trying to learn more about the history and its age. I've read about Edison making these in secret to rival Columbia records and how he hired Dr. Alyesworth to create the material for the diamond discs. It's all such an interesting story.

My model is an S19 which I'm learning isn't that rare. Is that correct ? The name plate says : S19 SM-37933. The S stands for Sheraton, right ? What does that mean ? Is Sheraton a location?

Also, is there a way to find out which number mine is? Example..the 29th one made. The person I bought it from said it was the 20th one made but km not sure how they saw that. Also, is mine from 1919 or is that just when this model was created (1919 to 1927)? Is there a way to see the exact year mine was made? Any other history lessons or secrets I'd love to hear ! Thanks

[lucius1958]

"Sheraton" is a reference to a historical furniture style, after Thomas Sheraton (1751-1806). Edison, like many other manufacturers, designed machines in various styles (Sheraton, Chippendale, Adam, Hepplewhite, William & Mary, etc.), to appeal to public tastes. The Sheraton is a rather common model: its fancier sibling, the SI-19, featured some inlay work, and is rarer and more desirable.

I don't know where the seller got that "20th one made" from, but they're most likely wrong: your machine probably dates to the '20s. Yes, the models with "-19" suffixes were introduced in 1919, and most were dropped from the catalogue in 1927. Unfortunately, we don't have detailed info on manufacturing dates for this period, so that will have to do.

If it hasn't been serviced recently, you might want to make sure the motor is properly lubricated (sewing machine oil is preferred), and the reproducers are in good shape: new gaskets will improve the sound, and you should check that the Diamond stylus is not worn or chipped. There are suppliers online, from whom you can get the necessary parts, or to whom you can send parts for rebuilding.

Anyway, you still have a good, enjoyable phonograph, and the 78 adapter makes it more versatile: play it and enjoy!

BillS

[sonjak]

I’m new to this group and not sure I’m posting my question correctly, so apologies in advance for my ignorance. I have a Beethoven DD serial 1055. I understand they started out at 1000 and may have skipped some unit numbers. Is there any way to find year of my machine and an “owner’s manual?”

[lucius1958]

A Beethoven? Lucky you: most Edisonics found are usually Schuberts.

You might try the Talking Machine Forum: I believe there's a database thread there on Beethovens and Schuberts. I don't know if it will help with your serial number question, but they will be glad of the information.
www.forum.talkingmachine.info/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=16654&hilit=Beethoven

Here's a video on the Edisonics by Brett Hurt: www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrLxttIPN0U
BillS