Thomas Edison s Diamond Disc.. Phonograph

Howdy,
I bought a Edison Diamond Disc Phonograph from a fella in Luling, TExas. I don't know anything about them though or the value. this perticular one has original book with instructions, works and plays music, has about 60 discs with it. I believe the last date on the plate is 1916. It has some blistering to the wood. I paid 475.00 and wonder if that is about what they go for, or did he scam me. Either way, I like the whole outfit and enjoy listening to it. I just don't know any thing about antiques.
Kindregards.
Ernie

Hi Erine,

If you would like to know more about your DD, come join the Edison Online Discussion Board. http://edisonphonos.proboards46.com/index.cgi


There are quite a few knowledgeable people over there, who can help you out. I know, I am a member there. BTW: What model number is your particular machine? I have a nice S-19 that I paid $295.00 for. Of course I had to have, the diamond stylus replaced.

Anyway, stop by and register on the board, and just tell them Paul sent you.

Paul

Hi Ernie,

I guess whether you were scammed or not largely depends on what model your diamond disc is, it's condition, and what records were included in the deal. you'll find an I.D. tag inside the machine (usually to the left of the motor/turntable) attached to the cabinet. If you let us know what the first letter and the following numbers are, we can tell you what model it is. It will have the model number first- examples of this are L35, A100, C250, C19, S19 etc, with a space, then the actual serial number after that. Other factors that determine value would be the type of reproducer it has, as there are 3 basic types- standard, dance, and edisonic. Some late model's were also equipt to play edisons long playing records, which ran for around 20 minutes per side, but still revolved at 80 rpm. Some records too have been getting good money lately on ebay. Jazz and dance band records are generally the most sort after, and this is reflected in the price, and just about any DD that was recorded electrically, seems to bring $50+ each in most cases. Even if you've only got pretty hum-drum records with the machine, most still sell for at least $5 each, so provided they're all in good playable condition, you've got about $250 to $300 worth of disc's anyway, so you probably did ok if you look at it that way.

Hi,

You have to admit that with that many records, and even if they are average condition records in the 50000, 51000 series, you still have at least $5-8 each on the records.
Then you figure a console machine in working condition, decent cabinet, and stylus, at least $ 300.00. I am not an appraiser, but have been collecting since I was 15 (1988), and you figure I have seen many machines out there.

Also, with E-bay, there is more access to buying machines than before, when you had to scour the antique malls and flea markets. Even in 1988, around the NW Indiana-Chicago area, a Diamond Disc machine was far and few between! I saw maybe 5 in 10 years. They all ranged from $300-800, and yes I realize anyone can overprice a machine. But, in general I think you did at least break-even, if not come out ahead in your purchase.

Now, you can restore it where needed, make sure reproducer is rebuilt, with good stylus and you can even look for those hot jazz hits! I am talking 52000 series electrics that have just shot up in price! I admit, I have a few, but at the rate they are going for now on the auction website, um they are getting out of my budget ($25.00 each and up).