The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Has anyone come across a manual for a Sonora phonograph Swiss Paillard motor? Has anyone had any experience opening the spring barrels on a Swiss Paillard motor? It appears that the barrels were not designed to be serviced. The precision machine work that was invested into these motors is of the highest caliber, but taking them apart to get to the springs appears very difficult.

I have just taken apart a No 175 in a red paillard portable I acquired a while back - here are some pictures of the disassembly. The spring barrel opens like an ice cream container .. ie: a cap held on by friction. I used a nail punch and vice to tap it off/open. You'll see I found a broken spring, but luckily near the rivet on the wall of the spring barrel ... I can drill another hole.

The bad news is the fiber gear on the spindle ... its shot. I'm going to post separately seeking a replacement.