Edison Disc Phonograph A-85
This Edison Disc Phonograph A-85 was featured in George Frow’s Book, The Edison Disc Phonographs.
“Only a few of these have been reported; from England (No. SM 931), Australia, New Zealand and Norway, possibly survivors from an order of February 1917 in quartered oak and wax finish at $33.00 for export. It is not explained how these were shipped, contrary to war restrictions in force at that time.
A special cabinet was prepared, similar in looks to the Amberola 30, but about twice as large, with the A-100 mechanism and horn installed. Particulars of other quantities are not known, but this model appeared briefly in machine catalogues. Though the cabinet is distinctly Amberola-like, it has no size relationship to any of that series.”
BTW, the reproducer holding bracket on the inside of the lid does NOT belong to this phonograph.
The Edison A-85 was most probably made for export to Australasia. There are reports of about a dozen in Australia and perhaps half that number in New Zealand. I am assuming the ones found in the United States and the UK were brought from Australasia by collectors.
Serial numbers of known survivors. If you have one, please email me a picture of the serial number!
