Edison Model S?

If the "bedplate / top" of an Edison cylinder unit has a serial number that begins with "S" does this make it a model S? I did a quick Google search and got results for Edison Model S reproducers but didn't see anything on actual players.

Would anyone be so kind as to shed some light on this?

The S means it's a standard. It sounds like it will be either the model A or B standard, because towards the end of the run of model B's, they replaced the S with the hole word standard. Usually, if the case has the large banner transfer, its a model A, and if the case just has the word Edison on the front, its a B.

shane wrote:The S means it's a standard.

The unit has a little thumb clip to take on/off cylinders and lock mandril in place.

What reproducer should I be using?

Do you know if its a 2 min only machine, or does it have the 2/4 minute gearing? You use a Model C reproducer for 2 min cylinders, and a Model H reproducer for the 4 min records.

Here's my model B standard. The model C was the first standard to no longer use the mandrel end gate.

Shane - Yes, that is exactly what mine looks like. Does that mean its a Model B? Like I said the serial plate says "S" so I'm confused as to whether Standard machines can just be "Standard" or do they have to be "Standard Model X".

Shane - by the way... nice Edison box in the lower corner, what is that?

Your will be a Standard Model B, and they were made between 1905-08. The C & D came out late in 1908, but they don't have the gate to close onto the end of the mandrel. If yours has the same skinny gear cover as mine, and no extra gears with a wider cover, it's a 2 minute only machine. These play the 2 minute wax records with the model C reproducer.
The little box is for a recorder, which is put where the reproducer sits, and you can record on blank wax cylinders. They're a lot of fun.
On the otherside is just a new decal to go behind the brake on the bedplate. Mine was in a pretty bad way when I got it, so I had to repaint it all.

Thanks for your help!

Another question... if you have a 2/4 Model B and a 2/4 Model D next to each other in about equal condition... what kind of differences are you looking at? sound/quality? performance? value?

One last question... do the "Edison Standard Phonograph" banner decals denote a specific Standard Model say between just the "Edison" logo decals? (on the front case, that is)

The only real differences between the B & D are the lack of an end gate on the D, and the moulding around the bottom of the case on the D is a bit wider than on the B. Both machines use the same reproducers, so provided the same size horn is used, they will sound the same.
They perform pretty much the same too, though the Model D, without the end gate, relies on the centre bearing for support, and the bearing was made of pot metal, which swells and binds, and often has to be replaced when you find them. As far as I know, both machines with the same equiptment are worth the same money.
The banner transfer usually indicates a model A, although up until about half way through 1906, the banner was also used on the model B's. It was also at this time that the case was changed to the "antique" oak colour, instead of the earlier green tinted yellow oak finish.

Heres a page from the 1910 catalogue, which shows the different bottom mouldings in the drawings. The top is the smaller moulding usually found on the A & B, and the bottom is what you find on the C & D's. The C & D do show up with the thinner moulding though- just to make things more difficult! I've never seen an A or B with the thicker moulding though.