Spring Motor

[Gramtastic]

Guys,
I am puzzled by this machine - it appears to be a "spring motor" but it has a Diamond B reproducer. I thought the spring motor was a 2 minute machine and the Diamond B was a 4 minute reproducer ?
Thanks
Andrew

[FellowCollector]

I thought the spring motor was a 2 minute machine

It was...when released. This one appears to have been 'updated' later with a horizontal carriage, Diamond B reproducer and 2/4 minute gearing and a cygnet horn bracket. And the drawer is missing and/or been removed.

Doug

[phonogfp]

You're right on both counts. This example was converted to 2/4 minute, and equipped with a Cygnet horn. In addition it retains part of a Model D Repeating Attachment on the carriage.

I once bought a very early Spring Motor using a Class M upper works which had been converted to 2/4 minute and equipped with a Diamond B. It took me one day to put the proper carriage on it, but 24 years to get the Class M type brass mandrel & mainshaft!

Still, the example you pictured was legitimately modernized around 1913. Although many of us collectors prefer "original configuration," there's nothing wrong with this one. It has history, and clearly belonged to someone who took his Phonograph seriously.

George P.

[Gramtastic]

Thanks for the info - what sort of date would this machine be ? and are the two pulleys on the mandrel for 2 or 4 minute use ?

[Jerry B.]

It may look like you have two pulleys but there is only one. The smaller one, that appears to be a pulley, is the method of shifting between two and four minute operation. Jerry

[Lucius1958]

Thanks for the info - what sort of date would this machine be ? and are the two pulleys on the mandrel for 2 or 4 minute use ?

The 'Spring Motor' was produced from 1896 - 1901, before it was redesigned and renamed the "Triumph".

Bill

[phonogfp]

Thanks for the info - what sort of date would this machine be ?

This looks like a late Spring Motor, with a serial number somewhere between 27,000-30,000. If so, it should date from 1900-01.

George P.

[Gramtastic]

Hi George
The last patent on it is Nov 1902 and the serial number is 47435. This must be very late for a Spring Motor ??

[phonogfp]

Hi George
The last patent on it is Nov 1902 and the serial number is 47435. This must be very late for a Spring Motor ??

That's a Triumph top works on a Spring Motor (or possibly a Concert) cabinet & motor.

George P.

[Gramtastic]

George, photo now attached.
Is this not a Spring Motor then ??