Internet Antique Gazette

The Edison Home Model B Phonograph

The Edison Home Model B phonographs were first introduced in October of 1905 and are marked on the from with the “Edison Home Phonograph” banner decal. They are two minute only machines, usually found with a Model C type reproducer. The oak models were available for 35.00, while the purchase of a mahogany model brought the price to 47.50, quite a large difference, which accounts for their rarity today.

The Edison Gem Model C Phonograph

The Edison Gem Model C cylinder phonograph is fairly rare due to a lawsuit that limited the years of it’s production. This machine was first offered in February 1908 and was replaced by the Model-D in October of 1909. Many of the Model C’s have the script Edison gold decal of the earlier models on their wood case, a gold “Gem” decal on the machine and fancier striping.

The Edison Gem Model A Phonograph

Produced from 1899 to 1902, the Edison Gem Model A was constructed entirely of metal amd had no case and no baseboard. A simple metal drip pan below the motor kept oil from leaking on the table, hence the term “Drip Pan Gem.” The Model A has a unique built-in reproducer which cannot be removed from the carriage. The early Model A was Edison’s bargain model, at a [...] Click here to continue reading.

The Edison Diamond Disc London Consol Phonograph

Manufacture of the Diamond Disc started around 1912. Edison’s cylinder model phonographs stopped selling and customers were switching over to 78 r.p.m. players. Edison, who was always different, came out with these models which had a unique format, they played at 80 r.p.m. They also had a diamond for a needle. Needles on 78 r.p.m.s had to be replaced every one or two plays. Edison’s diamond disc [...] Click here to continue reading.

Cheney Talking Machine Phonographs

Some of the most unusual and interesting “off brand” internal horn acoustic phonographs were made by the Cheney Talking Machine Company of Chicago, Illinois. These often have square and boxy cabinets, but most intriguing are their unusual sound-constricted air passages, as well as “step chambered” tone arms and internal horns.

The Cheney Talking Machine Company was founded in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1914 by Forest Cheney, a concert violinist of [...] Click here to continue reading.