Earliest known Edison Standard? Anyone have an idea?

[ken53092]

I am curious to know if anyone might know the serial number of the earliest known Edison Standard phonograph.  I ask because the upcoming Stanton's auction features item # 155A, an early Standard that is unlie any I've ever seen.  The ID plate is off to the right side of the machine and look different from any others I've seen.  I can make out the words "Type" and "Standard" on the ID but that's all.  I've written to the auction house asking for a better picture of the plate and for the serial number. I can tell this is a VERY early model by the fact that the gears do not have a gear cover, and the lid has a nice bead around the bottom. Later models had that little bead, but on the top of the bottom of the cabinet.  This may well be a real museum piece if it proves to be from the first days of production. If I hear back from Stanton's I'll post a follow-up and if it's as early as I think I might trigger a stampede of bidders to the auction! (yes, I already put in my bid!) 

[Oregonian]

I'm quite sure Charlie Hummel owned a low single digit Standard.

 

Jerry B.

[Tinfoilphono]

The lowest I know of is #4. 

 

The plate on the right side of the bedplate in the Stanton machine is an Edison-Bell tag that was added to the machine when it went to England for sale. Machines sold in the US didn't have that.

Edited November 10, 2023 by Tinfoilphono

[phonogfp]

The lowest number shown in Martin Kauper's data (available in the free "Introductory Articles" on the APS website) is #3.

 

George P.

[ken53092]

Thank you for the responses! I learn something new about this hobby every day and am amazed to think this item went across "the pond" twice, first to England and then back to the states where it's being offered for sale again.  I wish they had posted more than just two pictures and done a better job of describing it.  I wonder if the lid has the almost ever-present crack in the wood?  Does it still retain the original Edison name plate that I am familiar with?  I have an early standard in beautiful condition with a lid that does NOT have the crack. It left the factory in January of 1900 and I've attached a picture of it here.  I'll be interested to find out more about the serial number on this one because I'm sure it is earlier than the one I currently own.  I also have an original Edison Morning Glory horn for it (not pictured) that I purchased from Stanton's last year. It is in original excellent condition with only a few minor bumps and scrapes so I decided to keep it in original condition. 

[RodPickett]

The earlier Square Top Standard had a smaller-diameter winding shaft (3/16 v 5/8) if my memory is correct.

 

It took me the longest time to find the correct, smaller one, for mine.

 

The 5/8 will work but it is “sloppy”.

 

[phonogfp]

3 hours ago, RodPickett said:

The earlier Square Top Standard had a smaller-diameter winding shaft (3/16 v 5/8) if my memory is correct.

 

It took me the longest time to find the correct, smaller one, for mine.

 

The 5/8 will work but it is “sloppy”.

 

 

Your memory is correct, Rod.  The earlier Standard crank will not work at all on the later Standard Model A. 

 

A detailed article on the Edison Standard Phonograph will appear in the December 2023 issue of the APS magazine.

 

George P.