[Phono-L] Edison "Home" Survey

Gpaul2000 at aol.com Gpaul2000 at aol.com
Sun Jun 25 08:01:17 PDT 2006


I just want to thank everyone who has responded thus far to the "Home" 
survey.  At this point we have data for 23 different machines carrying serial 
numbers below 10,000.  Some of you have promised more data, and I'm looking forward 
to it!  Some general patterns are emerging, and I hope to develop an 
interesting article from your efforts.  Thanks again!

One thing becomes obvious - as it has while studying other Edison models.  
The serial number indicates when the machine was ASSEMBLED, but not necessarily 
when the components were manufactured.  Certain characteristics appear around 
a certain time, then sputter away, only to pop up again many numbers down the 
line.  This strongly suggests that Edison manufactured parts for its 
phonographs in batches, inventoried them, and assembled them as needed.  (In other 
words, man-hours for assembly/finishing were not invested until the machine was 
ordered by the jobber.)  This practice resulted in some obsolescent or "old 
style" parts being buried beneath new batches, and unexpectedly surfacing later.  
Yet with a large enough sample, we'll be able to closely estimate when certain 
features of the "Home" were introduced.

One characteristic I didn't ask about, but would like to track is the 
appearance of the Edison trademark decal somewhere between "Home" No. 1456 and 
No.2161.  If you have a "Home" with a number between these, I'd be most interested 
in knowing if it carries the trademark decal.  Since this decal was applied 
during the finishing process, the date of its appearance may be more pinpointable 
than other characteristics.

I have no "Home" serial numbers between No.7420 and No.9199 - and none 
higher.  If you can help fill these considerable gaps, I'd surely appreciate it.

Thanks again to all for your generous assistance, and best wishes,
George Paul



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