Three Year Project
Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 10:35 pm
For the June 2011 issue of The Sound Box, I contributed an article on this coin-operated talking machine - - a 1906/07 Rosenfield Illustrated Song Machine. In short, it's an arcade machine that combines a picture show with a sound track (in this case, from a Type AZ Graphophone). I've seen no documentation of special image/record sets having ever been offered, but the Rosenfield Manufacturing Company helpfully suggested that arcade operators could record their own cylinder records for programs! Actually, I've found it relatively easy to combine stereoptican card sets and appropriate recorded music or "Descriptive Specialties." The sign board accommodates sheet music to advertise the program. The machine works quite well once adjusted, and since being completed in February 2011, it has operated flawlessly (something I can't claim for some other machines here!). I had to remove all components from the cabinet in order to carry it upstairs, but once reassembled, it still operated perfectly. I still can't quite believe it.
The Rosenfield Illustrated Song Machine uses the AZ's spring motor to drive the Graphophone and to drive the picture show via a long chain. At the end of the show, a cam allows a spring-tensioned arm to snap backward, swinging its lower portion forward to trip a second motor. This motor is electrically-powered, and performs two functions: rewinding the AZ's spring motor, and returning the reproducer back to the beginning of the record. Another circuit powers an electric light that illuminates the picture show. This light is turned on and off by a notched brass wheel on the same shaft as the cam. It's a real Rube Goldberg contraption, but it certainly puts on a show!
I started out with the empty cabinet in April 2008. After a lot of searching, the kind assistance of at least three people, carefully duplicating parts from originals, and about 100 hours of arduous assembly in my shop, finally this example is one of approximately 15 complete Rosenfield Illustrated Song Machines known to exist. I feel very fortunate to have this in my collection, and I'm gratified in having participated in bringing it back to life.
There's more historical background included in the Sound Box article.
Below are some photos - - I hope you'll enjoy them!
George P.
The Rosenfield Illustrated Song Machine uses the AZ's spring motor to drive the Graphophone and to drive the picture show via a long chain. At the end of the show, a cam allows a spring-tensioned arm to snap backward, swinging its lower portion forward to trip a second motor. This motor is electrically-powered, and performs two functions: rewinding the AZ's spring motor, and returning the reproducer back to the beginning of the record. Another circuit powers an electric light that illuminates the picture show. This light is turned on and off by a notched brass wheel on the same shaft as the cam. It's a real Rube Goldberg contraption, but it certainly puts on a show!
I started out with the empty cabinet in April 2008. After a lot of searching, the kind assistance of at least three people, carefully duplicating parts from originals, and about 100 hours of arduous assembly in my shop, finally this example is one of approximately 15 complete Rosenfield Illustrated Song Machines known to exist. I feel very fortunate to have this in my collection, and I'm gratified in having participated in bringing it back to life.
There's more historical background included in the Sound Box article.
Below are some photos - - I hope you'll enjoy them!
George P.