The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Some of you may remember a couple of years ago when I asked for your help conducting research on Amberolas 1A and 1B. Before that, it was suitcase Home Phonographs. Now I'm looking at "Eagle" Graphophones, and I've noted a surprising number of variations. I think I have a handle on chronology, but I'd like to get an idea of rough production numbers for these variations, so I'm asking for your help. Luckily, these machines are pretty easy to move!

Before I get to my questions, I must ask that if you have a Type B that has been pieced together, or had missing parts replaced with parts from another "Eagle," please don't report data for that particular machine or part. But if you own a Type B that has never been dickered with - retaining its original lid and tags - I'd be grateful to hear from you. Don't worry about reproducers for now. Here are my questions:

1) Serial number?
2) 4 rubber feet or 3?
3) Spring barrel secured by 4-screw plates or by 1-screw tabs?
4) Is the 3rd gear the same width as the 1st gear?
5) Which cities are listed on the lid decal?
6) Does the lid handle have a metal cap at each end? Or is it all-wood?
7) Is there a decal on the rear of the lid? If so, which exhibition is listed?
8) Are there any small letters stamped in the baseplate?
9) Is there a mandrel tag affixed to the small end of the mandrel?
10) If the belt cover is present, is it plain or stamped?

As in past projects, I will incorporate your data into my research and publish the results. I will also credit those who supply data, unless you'd prefer to remain anonymous.

Photos are always helpful if you're so inclined, but the answers to the above questions would be all I need. Thanks to all in advance - -

Best,
George P.

Here's information from my Col BX serial #427924
three feet
4-screw plates
The third gear is thinner
New York, NY is on the decal
The lid handle does not have metal end caps.
There is no decal on the back of the lid.
I could find no letters stamped on the base plate.
There is a tag on the end of the mandrel.
The gear cover has information stamped on the side.
*
Table crane thanks to Pat Jones.
*
I found a paper note taped to the underside of the wood base. It says: "Inherited by Wm Jensen. This talking machine furnished many hours of pleasure to the Jensen family & friends - 1901"

Thanks Jerry! Very nice looking B, by the way. I'd like to see more photos of these great machines...

If folks would rather send me information via email, my address is gpaul2000 (at) aol (dot) com.

Best to all,
George P.

I had 2, but will get the one I have left out and post the info

1- 103846
2- 3
3- 4 screw plate
4- yes
5- ny
6- all wood
7- no
8- no
9- yes
10- stamped

I loved my "Eagle". Here's the information and a few pictures.

1) 153608
2) 3 Rubber Feet.
3) 4-screw plates.
4) 3rd gear is thinner.
5) New York & Paris are listed on the lid decal.
6) Metal caps on the handle.
7) No decal on rear of lid. `
8) No letters in the baseplate that I could see.
9) Yes, there is a mandrel tag.
10) Belt cover is stamped.

You guys are great - - thanks!

Sonny, I should point out that your spring barrels are secured by tabs, not plates. I should also point out that the machine is bee-u-tea-full!

Thanks again,.
George P.

Oops! Thanks for the correction, George!

It definitely didn't look beautiful when I bought it. I found it on Craigslist and it was all original including a cardboard box the reproducer came in. It was pretty rough when I bought it but after a thorough cleaning it turned out pretty nice. The reproducer in the original box can be seen in the upper left hand corner of this pic taken during the cleaning process.

Hi George

I have two

The first machine has two metal plates attached to the wooden base board, the second only has the long front one with no sign of ever having had the smaller rear plate.

1st machine

1) 110625
2) 3
3) plates
4) Thinner
5) New York
6) No
7) No
8) No
9) No
10) Yes, Plain

2nd machine

1) no plate
2) 3
3) Plates
4) Thinner
5) New York
6) Yes
7) No
8) No
9) Yes
10) No

Hope this helps

Regards Marcel

Just thought I would ad a photo of 2nd machine to show where the plate is missing.