Amberola VIII

[phonogfp]

MODEL:  Edison Amberola VIII
SERIAL #:   2419
YEARS MADE:   October 1913-December 1914
COST:   $45.00
CASE/CABINET SIZE:  16 1/4" deep x 13 1/2" wide x 16" tall.  Depth and width measurements include base.
REPRODUCER:   Diamond B
MOTOR:   Fireside B   
REPRODUCTION PARTS:   None
CURRENT VALUE:   ?
INTERESTING FACTS :  

 

Here's another example of a machine that isn't terribly scarce, but it's a cute little wedding cake in very nice condition.

 

I bought this at the 2012 Union show, and probably paid more than market value at the time (to say nothing of now).  Still, it was Sunday and we were preparing to head back to New York State.  I had bought next to nothing at the show, and you all know that feeling...  You drive 11-12 hours to get there, spend three days looking around, and you're going home with NOTHING?

 

Well, I've always had a thing for the Edison "faux-grain period" of ca. 1910-1914.  The A-series Disc Phonographs and several of the early Amberolas feature that wonderful grain-painting that seems simultaneously amusing and masterful.  This little Amberola VIII was still sitting in a booth at the end of the show, and I suspect its price had discouraged other interested parties.  I thought I might have a chance at getting a better figure at that point in the show.  The dealer wasn't sharing my optimism, but as I stared at the thing I decided that I needn't add another "I should have bought that..." to my already lengthy list.  I'm glad for that decision.

 

This is original finish.

 

Two faux-grained metal grilles (is that rear one a grille?) and a grained horn rising above it all like an oak swan.

 

 

 

Now, you might think that this grille has been repainted.  Believe me, although it looks perfect, it's only "pristine."  In strong light you can see a few signs of age.

 

 

[Hogan]

Beautiful machine! I really like the way they've painted the grill and the condition is great. Say... how does it play? A lot of cylinder phonographs seem to warble quite a bit - I see it has a belt - I suppose that's the weak link in the chain usually?

[phonogfp]

Thanks!  As to its playing, I haven't played it in years - - probably for a decade.  I do recall that it didn't play as well as an Amberola V which is one of several "daily players" here, but I don't recall a noticeable warble.  You're right - belt tension and the free play of the tensioner is often the culprit in cases of warble.

 

George P.

[CrackedWormgear]

This Amberola VIII looks very familiar to me.

 

If this came from a notable Illinois dealer who hails from a town with food related name, I may have some provenance background.

[phonogfp]

Well, there's no secret about it - Ron Haring was the seller.  I'd be pleased to know its provenance!  

 

George P.

[CrackedWormgear]

I just knew it!

 

I sold that Amberola VIII to Ron at the Union show of 2012. It was a package deal with a Columbia rear mount Aretino. Plus a shipping box of NOS Aretino records.

 

I acquired it in 2005 from my former boss at the RVC Community College television dept Guy Fiorenza. Guy was a great person who in his spare time played the bass in a traditional Jazz quartet. He also was into mechanical music machines and had a Link model 2e coin Nickelodeon. And also one of the largest collection of radio premiums. Decoder rings and such.

 

He was also into circus history and was custodian of the Joe Taggart model circus.

 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/746747155443425/posts/4665810396870395/

 

The Amberola VIII was once owned by one of his Great Aunts from Janesville Wisconsin. Later he offered me the Blue Amberols that came with it and still do have.

 

When I got it he had put a new belt on it. But it had a really messed up tension pulley spring, so I had to repair that and put on a new belt. That may still be the one I put on. With a good round cylinder it played real well:

 

Back in 2012 I had a much smaller house and needed to free up some space. My back upstairs bedroom was storage for phonographs that were not on display. So to free up some room off to Union they went. Most likely the money received was spent on a cylinder storage cabinet and more records.

 

When I saw this post I immediately recognized this Amberola. I thought it was a special example and I can also understand why you think so too. And it’s in a good home also.

 

Regards,

Glenn

[phonogfp]

Thanks for all this, Glenn!

 

I'm reminded of a remark made by Jerry Blais, which ran something like this: "We collectors/dealers drive across the country simply to sell to each other; and occasionally to a new person."  As the years pass, I see the truth in this more and more.

 

Thank you for taking good care of this little Amberola - - I'm doing the same for the next owner.

 

Best,

George