The first phonograph of note, is my most recent addition. The Victor VI (manufactured by the Victor Talking Machine Company). Embellished with gold plated hardware, the VI was the top of the line of its time . With only 16,000 produced and with 90+ years having passed, this is a less common machine to be found today. Despite those 90 years it is still a strong working phonograph with a three spring motor. I've found that I can play six 10" records on a single winding. With its mahogany horn (the wood horn was an option at additional cost), it has a much mellower tone than the more common metal horns. Still, it has fantastic volume. So much so, I find I have to use the smaller soft tone needles on most records to reduce the volume to a comfortable listening level.
In the next photo there are two machines. On the left is an Edison Fireside - Combination Cylinder Phonograph. This is my universal machine. Outfitted with a Diamond B Reproducer (with diamond stylus) and carriage, it is set up to play the later 4 minute Edison Blue Amberol celluloid records (note the Edison Royal Purple cylinder record on the mandrel). I also have an additional carriage with the original Combination Model K Reproducer which has two sapphire stylii that rotate to play 2 and 4 minute wax records. The phonograph has a Cygnet horn (French for swan) which was handpainted, signed, and dated by Karma Busman - 1993. A white celluloid plate on the front of the case shows that it was made for: The R. S. Williams & Sons Co. Toronto, Canada by the National Phonograph Co. To its right is a Victor the III. A little more common machine, it sports what is referred as a Black and Brass horn. A two spring machine that saw production for 18 years with almost 104,000 made.
Next is a photo of my American Rat Terrier, Lulu and a Victor Monarch Jr. (Model E). Lulu was most accommodating in allowing me this pose. The Model E is my only front mount machine at present. It was in production for about 4 years with axp. 60,000 made. It's still a strong little two spring machine that can handle a 12" record with spring left over.
In the fourth photo are two Edison phonographs. Sitting on top is a fun little Edison Gem, 2 minute cylinder phonograph. This was the least expensive machine that Thomas Edison built but that doesn't take away from its charm and durability. Below it is a partially seen C-150 Edison Diamond Disc Phonograph. I'll show and describe it in greater detail on another page. On the wall behind are several pictures of Edison. From his younger days when at the age of 30, in 1877, his first tinfoil phonograph. To a pen and ink taken from a 1929 Literary Digest, in honor of his having received the Congressional Medal, 1 year previous.
I hope you have found your time well spent on this page and will continue on to my other pages. Thanks for stopping in.
Phonophanatic (known to most as Cranky)
