About two weeks ago, my mother sent a photo of an Edison C-19 at a local antique mall. I decided to pay a visit just a few days later and with a little help, this gorgeous machine became my first disc phonograph.
Aside from a few minor nicks and scratches, this is a truly well-preserved example of Edison’s finest. (In my favorite finish, no less!) Grille cloth isn’t OEM, but it gives some character. The original key was kept, though. And that dealer tag, man. Nothing like owning a piece of local history. Most importantly, it runs like a beauty! Motor is nice and quiet. The reproducer has a loud, crisp sound.
Included with the purchase was a box of thirty or so 78s and a lonely Diamond Disc. A few Hit of the Week records, too. And even a pair of Victor albums with some single-sided, embossed Red Seals. About a dozen more discs were trapped behind the storage slots. Those were a pain to get out!
I own a standard phonograph and it is beautiful I do know small bits about the diamond disc and they use the same recording method hill and dale so they sound similar enough but you can tell the difference of course but I hope you collect a lot of the discs
I have seen a few of your posts! I started out five years ago with 78s, but have branched out into “antique” music in general. DDs are somewhat scarce around these parts, unfortunately.
What a beautiful piece! I LOVE - LOVE - quartersawn oak! What a nice, warm color that is! That looks to me like it was a solid choice in a very good-looking machine that actually is in very nice condition!
My C-19 appreciates your kind words. Can’t say that I have seen many phonographs in better condition, let alone in person. Somebody really loved this machine. <3
Agreed. I have found one. My VV-XII. It was neglected, but preserved like an invertebrate in amber! Conditions seemed like they were good enough to sustain its clean state!
It likes to get a drip of 3 in 1 oil in each oil port undetectable every few years. It also like a drop of light oil on the pivot at the reproducer so the diamond stylus can move easier left and right within its limiter.
A small drop of light oil on a toothpick maybe applied to the pivot on the rear. Mine was not moving at all laterally 50 plus years ago and that got playing without skipping. The mechanism moves it across the record but it requires a little play.
7
u/irish_Connolly_Barry Edison May 30 '26
I am very happy for you and they are very premium and raw sounding