Looking for info on the phono we bought

[mickfrye]

Hi! I am looking for any information on an Edison phonograph we purchased a few years ago. I am pretty sure it was a steal at the $150 we paid for it about 2 years ago, but I am having a hard time finding information on it. It is in good shape and is in working order. From other threads it seems we may have an A model. It has the speed knob and the plate on the front has patent dates ranging from 1888 to the latest in 1898. The serial number is S41365 and the needle? has Model C stamped on it. I recently purchased a whole lot of Edison cylinder recordings for my husband as a gift. A few are the gold (look and feel like wax) and others are the blue amber. Some are 2 minute and some are 4. Which are safe to play on this phonograph. I don't want to damage it. It even looks as if it still has the original leather belt. Any information on this phonograph would be greatly appreciated! One more fact-the serial/patent plate looks chrome in color where other pictures I have seen of other phonographs show brass plates.

[matty]

It sounds like what you have is an Edison Standard Model A, with a Model C reproducer.
The model C reproducer is for use with 2 minute cylinders only- these are the Wax gold moulded cylinders.
Edison also made 4 minute wax cylinders which look basically the same, but these will have a flat top on which the title is printed, and will also have "4M-" before the record number.
To play 4 minute cylinders you need a Model H or K reproducer to play them, as they require a stylus (needle) half the size as that on the Model C reproducer, because the grooves are half the size. Your machine must also have 2/4 minute gearing, which was available to convert a 2 minute only machine after 1908.
Blue amberols are also 4 minute cylinders, which can be played using the sapphire stylus supplied with the H/K reproducers, but were really designed to be played with a diamond stylus as used on the bigger Models A/B/C Diamond reproducers.
It can be a little confusing with 2 model C reproducers, but the diamond C is larger & a different shape, and are not marked as a Model C. The model H & K reproducers are the same size & style as the Model C you already have.

Most collectors find machines with 2 & 4 minute gearing more desirable, as both cylinders can then be played. The small cluster of gears needed to convert a 2min machine are often available on ebay or phonograph dealers, as are the extra reproducers needed to play 4 minute cylinders.
The ID plates were originally nickel plated brass, but often in photo's the flash or lighting can give them a brassy colour, or the nickel may have worn off exposing the brass underneath.