Our actual object of the week is an Edison Home cylinder phonograph in excellent, original condition.  It’s a Model B that dates to about 1906 and is a slightly more “uptown” version of the Home than the Model A.  Most notably, the B’s bedplate is shorter than that of the A, and the speed control on the B is located below the motorboard rather than above it.  In pretty much all other respects, however, the B is the same phonograph as the A and is probably the machine most responsible for making the Edison name synonymous with the world’s best cylinder phonographs. 

 
Click here to visit the auction

As you can see in the photographs, this wonderful machine needs nothing to be enjoyed immediately.  Bedplate enamel is original and excellent, and the bedplate retains most of its delicate, original gold pinstriping.  The ”Edison” banner decal on the front of the cabinet is original and in excellent condition.  The cabinet finish is original, and all of the cabinet hardware is original. No hardware is missing, damaged or otherwise compromised.  The wood is richly grained, and the antique oak finish exhibits very little finish wear.  Both the base and lid are in great condition, with no splits anywhere or damage anywhere and none of the veneer issues that typically plague the lids on the these B machines.

Like the Home A that I sold a few weeks ago, this machine is fantastic player.  The carriage slides fluidly along the carriage rod as the motor unwinds, and the half-nut itself sits properly in the grooves, allowing the carriage to advance without the skips, clicks or repeats you frequently hear in a machine that has not been well maintained, as has this one.  The reproducer is in excellent condition, with beautiful nickeling.  Music played on the reproducer is clean, clear and LOUD.  Under the bedplate, the motor assembly is clean and working properly.  The crank is original, and machine runs quietly and plays four or more cylinders with just a single winding.