“Q” Graphophone Questionnaire
Posted: Sat Dec 08, 2018 11:24 am
Hiya folks,
As has been loosely discussed around these parts for at least as long as I've been around them, George Paul (phonogfp) and I put our heads together and decided to act on putting together a questionnaire for the humble Graphophone "Type Q". This project ties into George's in-depth study and resultant comprehensive article that was featured in the September 2016 issue of The Antique Phonograph titled, "Cylinder Graphophone Banner Decals: Chronology and Variations".
I will maintain a spreadsheet with the information collected here, along with data collected from other sources -- as I find it, or it finds me.
As is the case for many of this type of post, photographs are encouraged, but certainly not required, especially in the case of unusual or neglected features. Remember: “A picture is worth a thousand words.”
EDIT NOTE 12-14-2018: This survey also includes Q's that were marketed as the "Language Phone", and "Busy Bee". Please note if yours is a Busy Bee
1) What is your Q’s base type?
1a) Plain stamped base. 1b) Painted cast base.
2) What is your Q’s serial number? (The stamped steel bases are stamped onto the front edge of the base, and the painted base ones are stamped either onto the top edge of the key–side motor frame, or directly below the key on the side.)
3) What type of governor support is used at its end (opposite the motor)?
3a) Stanchion mounted to the base.
3b) Bracket mounted to the motor frame side plate.
4) What is the last date stamped on the end stanchion?
March 30, 1897 or August 20, 1901.
5) If your Q has a mandrel tag, how many cities are listed on it? Apparently 9 is typical. Please include New York, NY in your total count
6) Does your mandrel have a flange for the belt to ride inside? YES, or NO.
Here's a photo of the earlier mandrel WITH flange: And a photo of the later mandrel WITHOUT the flange:
7) Does your drive pulley have a flat end, or one with a channel?
7a) Flat End Pulley 7b) Channel Pulley
IF YOUR Q HAS A CASE, PLEASE PROCEED WITH THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS.
8) IF CASED, which type banner decal is on the front of the lid? Please choose accurately from the images shown below. NOTE: TYPES 8,9,10, & 11 ARE 6-INCHES IN LENGTH
9) IF CASED, and your Q’s lid has a decal on the back, what is the last date on it?
9a) Paris 1900.
9b) St. Louis 1904.
9c) Portland 1905.
9d) Milan 1906.
10) IF CASED, and your Q’s lid has a paper label INSIDE, what is it marked?
10a) QA, and what is the price listed if it has one?
10b) QC, and what is the price listed if it has one?
11) If you have any additional information, or notes you’d like to add, please feel free. i.e.: Receipts, special attachments, provenance, stories, etc.
Thank you all in advance,
Fran Pratt
Special thanks go out to George F. Paul, and The Antique Phonograph Society for the images I've used here.
As has been loosely discussed around these parts for at least as long as I've been around them, George Paul (phonogfp) and I put our heads together and decided to act on putting together a questionnaire for the humble Graphophone "Type Q". This project ties into George's in-depth study and resultant comprehensive article that was featured in the September 2016 issue of The Antique Phonograph titled, "Cylinder Graphophone Banner Decals: Chronology and Variations".
I will maintain a spreadsheet with the information collected here, along with data collected from other sources -- as I find it, or it finds me.
As is the case for many of this type of post, photographs are encouraged, but certainly not required, especially in the case of unusual or neglected features. Remember: “A picture is worth a thousand words.”
EDIT NOTE 12-14-2018: This survey also includes Q's that were marketed as the "Language Phone", and "Busy Bee". Please note if yours is a Busy Bee
1) What is your Q’s base type?
1a) Plain stamped base. 1b) Painted cast base.
2) What is your Q’s serial number? (The stamped steel bases are stamped onto the front edge of the base, and the painted base ones are stamped either onto the top edge of the key–side motor frame, or directly below the key on the side.)
3) What type of governor support is used at its end (opposite the motor)?
3a) Stanchion mounted to the base.
3b) Bracket mounted to the motor frame side plate.
4) What is the last date stamped on the end stanchion?
March 30, 1897 or August 20, 1901.
5) If your Q has a mandrel tag, how many cities are listed on it? Apparently 9 is typical. Please include New York, NY in your total count
6) Does your mandrel have a flange for the belt to ride inside? YES, or NO.
Here's a photo of the earlier mandrel WITH flange: And a photo of the later mandrel WITHOUT the flange:
7) Does your drive pulley have a flat end, or one with a channel?
7a) Flat End Pulley 7b) Channel Pulley
IF YOUR Q HAS A CASE, PLEASE PROCEED WITH THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS.
8) IF CASED, which type banner decal is on the front of the lid? Please choose accurately from the images shown below. NOTE: TYPES 8,9,10, & 11 ARE 6-INCHES IN LENGTH
9) IF CASED, and your Q’s lid has a decal on the back, what is the last date on it?
9a) Paris 1900.
9b) St. Louis 1904.
9c) Portland 1905.
9d) Milan 1906.
10) IF CASED, and your Q’s lid has a paper label INSIDE, what is it marked?
10a) QA, and what is the price listed if it has one?
10b) QC, and what is the price listed if it has one?
11) If you have any additional information, or notes you’d like to add, please feel free. i.e.: Receipts, special attachments, provenance, stories, etc.
Thank you all in advance,
Fran Pratt
Special thanks go out to George F. Paul, and The Antique Phonograph Society for the images I've used here.