The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Today's exchange on another thread proved that a reliable serial/dating correlation continues to elude me. If you own an Edison Spring Motor or Triumph, I'd very much appreciate your help. Below is a brief questionnaire. Please send your answers to me either by posting them here, sending a PM, or via email to gpaul2000 (at) aol (dot) com. If you'd like to be acknowledged in future a publication for your help, please include your name. If you'd prefer anonymity, please let me know. In either event, I'd very much appreciate any assistance you'd be willing to give.

Finally, if you know or suspect that a particular machine has been assembled from different machines, or had certain parts replaced (such as the carriage), please note that as well.

Thanks to all in advance,

George P.


Edison Spring Motor/Triumph Questionnaire
1) Serial number (found on top):
2) Is serial number stamped in a plate, or a raised boss?
3) If stamped in a plate, what’s the last patent date?
4) Does straight edge (where front of reproducer carriage rides) have 2 screws?
5) Does the upper casting have lugs for Class M pulley wheels?
6) Which secures the endgate; a ball catch, or a locking lug?
7) Does carriage hold the reproducer with nickeled clips, or a single screw at 2:00 position?
8) Motor number (found stamped on front of motor frame):
9) Are the motor gears solid or spoked?
10) If there’s a plate below the mandrel, what exactly does it say?
11) Which does the cabinet have; a drawer, a banner decal, or an “Edison” script decal?
12) Are there any dated material with it? Invoices? Packing slips? Writing inside the lid?

Thanks for your help!
George Paul

Most of your questions deal with the Spring Motor / Model A machines. Do you want info through the end of the Triumph series? Thanks!

Jerry B. wrote:Most of your questions deal with the Spring Motor / Model A machines. Do you want info through the end of the Triumph series? Thanks!

Yes, I'd like to run the whole series to ensure accuracy. Thanks, Jerry.

George P.

From an Edison Spring Motor with an oak case that is stained to look like mahogany:
1- Serial # 24854
2-The serial number is on a raised boss
3-There is a plate in front of the mandrel that prominently says "Edison Spring Motor..." . The last date on this tag is May 31, 1898.
4-There are two screws on the straight edge.
5-It has Class M lugs.
6-It has a locking catch on the end gate.
7-The carriage has clips.
8-The motor is serial #2642.
9-The gears in the motor have spokes.
10-There is no plate below the mandrel.
11-It has a drawer.
12-nothing.

From a slightly later Spring Motor:
1-Serial #27751
2-The serial number is on three places, a raised boss, the nickel ID tag, and on the top of the straight edge.
3-The last date is May 31,1898.
4-There is no straight edge.
5-There are no Class M lugs.
6-It has a ball catch on the end gate.
7-The carriage has clips.
8-The motor is serial #8109.
9-The motor has solid gears.
10-There is no plate below the mandrel but there is one in front of the mandrel. It also has a list of patent dates.
11-It has a drawer.
12-nothing.

George, This is the time to tweek your list of questions if you need to. For example, I found the serial number on three places. Also, there was some confusion to me regarding the ID tag near the mandrel. Are you asking for only a tag under the mandrel or in front or both?

Last comment... It was sure easier to carry the Eagle to the workbench for good light. These Spring Motors are a load. Best wishes, Jerry

Hi George

SM
1) Serial number 27306
2) raised boss
3)
4) No screws
5) No
6) ball catch
7) Bettini attachment
8) Motor number 5007
9) Motor gears solid
10) Edison Spring Motor for Phonograph
11) Drawer no decal, lid missing
12) No

Model B Triumph

1) Serial number 64061
2) Serial number stamped in a plate
3) May 22 1908
4) No
5) No
6) locking lug
7) Single screw at 2:00 position
8) Motor number 50532
9) Solid
10) Thomas Edison Trade Mark moulded on deck, nickel plated
11) “Edison” script decal, mahogany case
12) No

Model B Triumph

1) Serial number 62727
2) Serial number stamped in a plate
3) May 22nd 1908
4) No
5) No
6) locking lug
7) Diamond B reproducer
8) Motor number 49176
9) The motor gears solid
10) No
11) “Edison” script decal?
12) No

Model A Triumph

1) Serial number 37127
2) Is serial number stamped in a plate
3) May 31st 1898
4) No
5) No
6) Ball catch
7) Single screw at 2:00 position?
8) Motor number 22478
9) solid
10) No
11) Banner decal
12) No

Regards
Marcel de Vriend

Thanks very much, Jerry and Marcel! There are now 15 Triumphs and Spring Motors so far in the database; lots of supportive collectors out there.

...But I know there are lots more machines waiting to be counted - please take a few minutes and support this research.

THANK YOU!

George P.

I'll have more. I just needed a rest after packing those brutes to the work bench. Jerry

Don't have a Triumph myself but a friend has. I had to translate the questions/answers forth and back, here they are:

1) 32318
2) raised boss plate
3)
4) no
5) no
6) ball catch
7) screw at 2:00
8) 15748
9) solid gears
10) no plate
11) waived banner "EDISON TRIUMPH PHONOGRAPH"
12) none

George, a couple spring motors
first one
1.23787
2.raised boss
3.none
4.2 screws
5.lugs
6.ball catch
7.nickeled clips
8.1880
9.spoked
10.this one has "Edison Spring Motor for phonograph Patent applied for" nickel tag in front of mandrel on bed plate
11.has drawer, no decals
12.no materials
second one
1.19360
2.raised boss
3.none
4.2 screws
5.has lugs
6. ball catch,but is slightly different from #1
7.nickeled clips
8.1432
9.spoked
10.this one has "United States Phonograph Co.,Newark N.J. Patent applied for"
11.drawer,no decals
12.No materials
George,this machine has a mandrel that is made of a composition material ,not brass like others I have seen,looks to be original,any ideas? I have a couple of triumphs,But this hard work for a old guy! Bob Smock

bobsled48 wrote:George,this machine has a mandrel that is made of a composition material ,not brass like others I have seen,looks to be original,any ideas?

Can you post a pic of the mandrel?

Thanks!
Steve