Exhibition reproducer needle holes

[Torjazzer]

When did exhibition reproducers change from having round holes to triangular holes?

[Phonofreak]

Actually, Victor did the switch in 1909 when they bought out B & H. That's when the Exhibition reproducers changed from the round hole to the triangular hole. Also, the knurled nuts were changed to the more common hex nuts. Owners of the earlier Exhibition reproducers can have them upgraded with the new needle bar and hex nuts. This was done either by the factory or a dealer. This was done for free or a minimal cost to promote the new fiber needles. How you can tell if an early Exhibition reproducer has been upgraded, here are some clues: The serial number should be 6 digits or less with no alpha letter. The three screws that hold the bezel and back of the reproducer have small heads. Hope this clarifies things.
Harvey Kravitz

[gramophone78]

Actually, Victor did the switch in 1909 when they bought out B & H. That's when the Exhibition reproducers changed from the round hole to the triangular hole. Also, the knurled nuts were changed to the more common hex nuts. Owners of the earlier Exhibition reproducers can have them upgraded with the new needle bar and hex nuts. This was done either by the factory or a dealer. This was done for free or a minimal cost to promote the new fiber needles. How you can tell if an early Exhibition reproducer has been upgraded, here are some clues: The serial number should be 6 digits or less with no alpha letter. The three screws that hold the bezel and back of the reproducer have small heads. Hope this clarifies things.
Harvey Kravitz

Harvey, you are correct. I was confused with Tungs-tone needles.... .

[Torjazzer]

Yes, this helps a lot, Harvey. Many thanks. Also gramophone78 thanks for the added illustration and instructions.

[De Soto Frank]

For Posterity,

Pictures are from my 1909 Victrola XVI Serial 19362, Suffix C, re-stamped over B. Paper patent label is dated Aug 1 1909.

Gold Exhibition Serial # 356016, three screws securing bezel to back, round-hole needle chuck with hex-type lock-nuts on balance springs.

This machine is completely original, aside from the new white tubing on the sound-box.

[Torjazzer]

De Soto Frank, if you look at the serial number on my 1909 Victrola XVI(19393) and that of its exhibition reproducer (356009) you'll see that our machines are practically sisters! On the very same day, they stood in line, almost side-by-side, awaiting shipment. How wonderful that they are still singing 105 years later.

[De Soto Frank]

Wow ! How about that ! What are the chances?

My machine was originally sold by John Wanamaker & Sons, in Philadelphia.

I found it at a local Antique & Estate dealer in South Scranton about 10-12 years ago...

[Torjazzer]

I found mine in Southern Ontario. It has the Berliner distribution tag. I should post some more pics tomorrow so we may compare other parts, such as style of back bracket.

[TinfoilPhono]

The serial number should be 6 digits or less with no alpha letter.

Wow, thanks for that info which I never knew. I just checked my Victor 6 (not VI) with early motor having the crank near the front. The reproducer serial number is 5 digits and not surprisingly has a round hole. It's nice to know that the reproducer is correct and probably original to the machine.

[Torjazzer]

De Soto Frank I was wonderering if your machine has the same arm bracket stenciling as mine. I was told that only the Canadian-distributed machines had the 'sparkle' detailing as per Berliner's instructions.
Mine also has the bullet brake and circular speed control.