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Many on this forum may remember about two and a half years ago I circulated a questionnaire regarding Edison Spring-Motor and Triumph machines. Ever since, I have been trying to correlate serial numbering with approximate shipping dates, but unlike all the other models, the Triumph numbering/dating does not gel. There are a couple of reasons for this, and I think I'm finally onto something, but I need an additional data point to either confirm or disprove my theory.

For those with a Triumph A between serial No.38758 and 40365: Does the speed control knob have rpm numbers (120/140/160) stenciled in gold around it on the black bedplate?

As always, I very much appreciate any help with this.

Best to all,

George P.

George

I have a Triumph A ser # 40231 which has the numbers on the bed plate.

Bruce

Thanks Bruce. That narrows it down a little bit.

George P.

Yea one little step at a time but was it not a famous American that said "one small step for man ......" that ended up changing the world.

Bruce

Yep - I've said many times that if nothing else, this hobby will teach you patience. Those rpm numbers appeared somewhere in those intervening 1473 machines...

Thanks again,
George P.

Hello,
I have Triumph model A # 40051 and it does not have any speed control numbers.
Thanks
Pete

Holy Smokes!

Pete, if what you say is true, you just narrowed my research down from 1473 possibilities to 180!

Before I get too excited though, please indulge me if you would. If you would please look at the bedplate in front of the speed control knob under bright light (a flashlight would be ideal) to confirm that there are no ghost numbers, that would be great. Sometimes, as you know, the gilt decoration seems to fade away. But if the rest of your machine's gilt is strong, chances are you've made my day!

Thanks so much, Pete. I'm looking forward to your confirmation.

George P.

Hi George,
I used my flash light and a magnifying glass. After several looks I finally found a ghost image of the number 180. I owe you an apology for getting all worked up for nothing!!
Pete

Pete,

After almost 40 years of marriage, I'm used to it!

Thanks for double-checking. As you can tell, I've already made all these mistakes.

I must admit that I'm disappointed, but research is never that quick and easy!

Thanks again, Pete!

Hi George;

My Triumph is slightly earlier than what you requested (37112), but it does NOT have the speed control numbers. Hope this is still of some help to you.

Scott