Amberola 30 Dating?

[diggr]

This is what I believe to be an Amberola 30.



After some looking this afternoon I found the number "B35991" stamped on the underside of the motor plate. In addition there is a data plate attached to the upper left inside surface of the lid that appears to identify the machine as an Amberola 30 followed by "SM 181565".

Is there some avenue that could date this machine for me?

Thanks for any responses.

[maroongem]

Hi Dggr,

Looking at the location of the ID plate up inside the left corner of the lid and the late style pivot for the base of the horn would put it past 1918 or so from what I've seen over the years with ppl that had original bills of sale with the machines they had. I don't know of any data base out there that can give you an exact date when that machine was made. Perhaps another member here can give you a closer time frame.

BTW. That machine looks like it needs just a good cleaning and adjusting, plus the stamped out metal grille for the horn opening. Those are available both as repro and the occasional originals do show up on eBay.
Bill

[diggr]

Feb 15, 2009 13:13:38 GMT -5 maroongem said:

Hi Dggr,

Looking at the location of the ID plate up inside the left corner of the lid and the late style pivot for the base of the horn would put it past 1918 or so from what I've seen over the years with ppl that had original bills of sale with the machines they had. I don't know of any data base out there that can give you an exact date when that machine was made. Perhaps another member here can give you a closer time frame.

BTW. That machine looks like it needs just a good cleaning and adjusting, plus the stamped out metal grille for the horn opening. Those are available both as repro and the occasional originals do show up on eBay.
Bill

Since that picture was taken it has been cleaned to some extent. But there is more needed. It also appears that my Grandpa must have refinished the case at some point. As much as I love him, I have to admit that while he was a good lawyer and judge, he was no wood worker!

Based on your comments and other research I've done I'm going to guess that this machine dates to the early to mid '20s. I had not intended to get into a restoration/rebuilding of this machine, but after seeing the helical gearing I just can't help myself. It has to come completely apart. Paint as needed, put it back together and adjust. I'm going to rework the reproducer and the case. If the front grill was stamped metal then I will get myself a repro and see if I can get this thing to play well and look pretty much as it did 85 years ago.

Thanks for the help so far.

Diggr