The R-6 was one of the last radios produced by the Edison company. In 1928, the C-1 and C-2 were produced (radio/phonographs - both would play 78s and Diamond Discs). The radios produced that year were the R-1 and R-2. In 1929, the C-4 radio/phonograph was introduced along with the R-4 and R-5 radio sets. The C-4 played needle-type records only. In 1930 the R-6 and R-7 were produced. I have a sales brochure for an R-8 (basically a fancy R-5), but I have never run across this model. Nine sets were produced altogether (10 if you include the R-8).
The R-6 was Edison's top of the line set in 1930 selling for $297 (without tubes). The set featured 'light-o-matic' tuning (as did the '29 models). After tuning in your favorite station, you turned the a small switch near the dial (with a special 'light-o-matic' key - these are very difficult to find) which activated a plunger which embossed a thin copper disc that rotates with the dial mechanism. The next time you tuned in the station, the dial would display a 'flash of crimson light'. The 1930 sets used three '24s, three '27s, two '45s and one '80 tube. The R-7 differs from the R-6 only in that it is a slightly smaller cabinet. The R-6 measures 48 1/2 high, 34 1/2 wide, 18 1/8 deep. The R-7 measures 47 1/2 by 27 1/4 by 16 3/4. The R-7 sold for $268 in 1930 (less tubes). The 1930 sales brochures list the R-6 and R-7 along with the 1929 models which were still available at reduced prices (C-4 - $325; R-4 - $215; R-5 - $215). The mysterious R-8 could be had for $175. In terms of rarity, the 1929 models (C-4, R-4 and R-5) seem to be the most common. The C-1 radio/phonograph is very rare (only six are known to exist). C-2s turn up every so often and can bring a fairly good price if they have all their bits and pieces (needle cup, correct tone arm, record albums). The radio sets, ranked in order of rarity (again based on my experience - and the $$$ I have paid for them) are: R-1 (least common) R-2 R-6 R-7 R-4 R-5 (most common) These sets are in interesting study in the final years of the Edison company. Dave White Arden, NC -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Andrew Baron Sent: Monday, October 02, 2006 11:49 AM To: Antique Phonograph List Subject: [Phono-L] Scarce Edison radio Slightly off topic, but of potential interest to Edison collectors, a seldom seen Edison R-6 Radio is on eBay. The only one of these I've seen in person is (or was) at the Menlo Park museum (original Menlo Park laboratory site in NJ). A few years ago when I visited there I was able to get their R-6 working for them. That was during the very beginning stages of the reorganization when Jack Stanley began taking down things that didn't really belong (such as a poster sized photo of the reproduction laboratory at Greenfield Village). I assume that the R-6 was marketed in late 1930 and/or '31, which I believe would make it the last Edison radio model marketed during Edison's life, and the last of the Edison radio line. It had a dial arrangement similar to the 1929 Light-O-Matic. If anyone has any further information on the history of this model, I'd be most interested to hear about it. On eBay, see: Old Thomas Edison 1930s console Radio not phonograph Beautiful condition WORKS and plays great! No reserve! Item number: 280034245207 Regards, Andy _______________________________________________ Phono-L mailing list [email protected] Phono-L Archive http://phono-l.oldcrank.org/archive/ Support Phono-L http://www.cafepress.com/oldcrank
