1905 Edison Home Phonograph W/Original Horn 2/4 Minute Gearing Banner Front
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:4367366 |
So every year around this time a bunch of crazy people like me head to a small town in Illinois where pretty much the only thing on the agenda is antique phonographs. We buy antique phonographs; we sell antique phonographs; we do wild and crazy impersonations of people who buy and sell antique phonographs; we talk about antique phonographs -- we talk a lot about them; we share pictures of our antique phonographs like they're pictures of our kids; we exchange hilarious stories about... what you sometimes find in antique phonographs (at least we think they're hilarious stories; not many other people do). Anyhow, that's where I'm going this week -- to the annual antique phonograph hootenanny. Before I take off, though, I want to share with you not pictures of my kids, but rather another exceptional assortment of mechanical, technical and musical antiques, a few of which I suspect will catch your eye. And don't forget, you can click this link to quickly add and then save me to your favorite seller list and Ebay will automatically send you updates when I put similar new auctions online.
Here's a beautiful, all-original, banner front Edison Home B cylinder phonograph with a "C" reproducer (2-minute), an original 14" witch's hat horn and -- perhaps best of all -- combination gearing that enables it to play all types of cylinders -- both 2 and 4 minute.
The phonograph is in excellent condition throughout, and it will arrive at your doorstep ready to play and enjoy.
Original Japanned finish on the casting is still deep black and glossy, and the original gold pinstriping is nearly perfect. The motor is strong, with ample torque, and the phonograph has no trouble making it through two or more cylinders with a single winding. The governor assembly is working properly, and the pitch doesn't waver as a cylinder plays through. All of the gearing beneath the bedplate is clean. The crank is original, and it's in good shape, with normal oxidation on the plated metal surface but no damage to the wood handle.
The oak cabinet is beautiful, as you can see in the photographs. Cabinet finish is original throughout, and it's in excellent condition -- still smooth to the touch. The cabinet decal is original, and it too is in excellent condition, with minimal wear and no scarring. Excellent tongue-in-groove cabinet joints everywhere with no swelling or damage. No damage to the base molding, no damage to the lid.
The "C" reproducer has a good sapphire, a good diaphragm and good gaskets. Sounds good, and it's loud too. The 14" witch's hat horn is an original brass and black horn, and it's in good condition. There are two paint scuffs on the cone, and scattered minor marks, but the paint is original, and the horn has no dents or other damage.
I'll include with the phonograph an excellent early Edison wax cylinder record in excellent condition, so the phonograph will be ready to play as soon as it arrives.
Overall, a really nice banner front Edison Home cylinder phonograph that needs nothing to be enjoyed immediately.
I've been selling and shipping antique phonographs, antique radios and antique scientific apparatus for more than 25 years. When you purchase an antique phonograph from me, you'll receive a phonograph that arrives safely because it's been carefully packed (by me, not by some well-intentioned but nonetheless confounded, doe-eyed teenager working at the UPS store who wouldn't know a phonograph from a farm tool), and you'll receive a phonograph that includes thorough but easy-to-understand set-up and operating instructions, so you won't be left scratching your head, trying to figure out how it works. Sure, you can probably get a lower price from Joe and Janet Barn-Find, but when your "bargain" arrives broken, and without any hint of how it works or how you might be able to put it back together, you'll realize that you really do get exactly what you pay for.
If you're bidding from overseas, please contact me in advance for a shipping quote. The phonograph is large and heavy, and it cannot be shipped to some countries. Therefore, I will need to confirm my ability to ship it to you before you place a bid. Auction participants with no prior feedback should contact me before placing a bid.
That's about it. Buyer prepays and includes shipping.
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