Regarding Record Clamps

[gramophone78]

For a while now I have been trying to determine why the record clamp on my Johnson type A #12295 is so badly discolored.

After all, the other "nickeled" parts are clean,shinny and gleam. We can rule out thinking the clamp came from another machine. This machine has never been altered in any way.

The puzzling part of all this.....there is not trace anywhere of ever having nickel applied. Even when examining under the felt.....nothing.
Using another comparable record clamp, you can not only see traces of a nickel finish, but also the gleam of nickel under the felt.
So, this leads me to think the record clamp in question was either oxidized (like the three main cast components), or was left in bare steel (yes, it is steel not brass).

I have looked at other Johnson A's and have noted the same "dull" finish on the record clamp.

Any thoughts on this please....?.

[Dave D]

It is probably from finger oils, etc.
Dave D

[Jerry B.]

You would think that places easily touched would show wear and worn nickel plating but the color and finish are quite uniform. Jerry

[gramophone78]

You would think that places easily touched would show wear and worn nickel plating but the color and finish are quite uniform. Jerry

Jerry has a valid point. The key in this case is....the hidden areas of the clamp have no sign of ever having a nickel finish. To plate an item, requires the "whole" part to be submerged.

If I was to take a guess (based on the color hidden).....it appears to be the same bronze hue as the three main cast parts.

I should mention, this is not just the Johnson marked type A models having this. Even the VTM marked type A machines have the same record clamp coloration.

Also "wear" can be seen on the brake lever. However, this is now just deeply tarnished brass. Remember the clamp is steel.

To me this whole issue seems odd, given the fact all other "small" parts are highly nickel finished...??. Very strange.

[Zwebie]

I took a look at mine, it's on a highly original machine, (Victor Serial #12629), and believed to be original to this machine.
It is indeed steel, as a magnet sticks to it.
It appears to be oxidized, the same as the other metal parts, no sign of nickel.
I have included a picture.

Bob S.

[gramophone78]

I took a look at mine, it's on a highly original machine, (Victor Serial #12629), and believed to be original to this machine.
It is indeed steel, as a magnet sticks to it.
It appears to be oxidized, the same as the other metal parts, no sign of nickel.
I have included a picture.

Bob S.

Thanks Bob, So, it would seem that sometime between 12295 & 12629 Johnson changed his data plate from ERJ to VTM. I would assume also sometime after the Oct. 1901 court ruling..??.

If these A's did indeed come with a special finished clamp.....how many past collectors changed theirs for a nicer nickel one as an improvement not knowing better....?? .