Berliner Gramophone on eBay

[gramophone78]

Some members have PM'ed me as to why I removed all my posts and pics on this thread. Well, the thread seemed to be going all over the place and frankly, I wanted to have the correct information regarding my serial number.

So, from my own observations, here is what I have found.....

After the 1897 "swing" brake model with serial numbers stamped on spring barrels....... a lever type brake was introduced,
Knowing the companies sales tactics, it would not surprise me if this introduction was done at Christmas time for the big sales push. Berliner period ads indicate the company used the occasion to their advantage.

There is evidence a lever type brake was sold that appears to be using parts from the earlier swing type utilizing two screws and a center rivet and (as far as I know) the serial stamped on the spring barrel housing. (see attached). Perhaps it was a way for left over parts to be used up. Something Berliner was certainly known to do.

Then, sometime after March 22 1898 there was a redesign of the lever type brake to a single center screw mount. Again, knowing the Companies hunger for profits, this design cut down on the number of parts/materials and time to install. All about the $$$$.
These 1898 machines have the serial stamped on the pitch control escutcheon plate and "Pat'd March 22 '98" stamped on the spring barrel.
I have now confirmed my serial as 12249. This example appears to show no sign of a guard/guide installed. I have also seen other examples like this, sans guard (see attached).

There is further evidence that sometime between 12249 and 13571, the introduction of the guard was made. However, the serial's were still stamped on the plate. At least up to 14819 that we know so far.
All of these models should have a decal "Berliner Gramophone Company" as mine certainly does (see attached).

. It was not until March 1899 that Seaman chartered a new corporation as the "Berliner Gramophone Corporation" and the decal was changed to reflect this.

So, sometime between March 22 1898 and April 1899 these guards were installed.

It is my opinion and again understanding how the Company liked to use Christmas has a sales advantage.....I would not be surprised the guard was added and promoted at this time. Out with the old and in with the new "improved" for Christmas 1898.

My model's design may have been out just before Christmas of 1898..??. Of course we will never know for sure.

With regards to why the guard was added.

Improved Gramophones prior to this had a tenancy to jump off the turntable when starting a record. Since the turntable is flush with the case wall, there is absolutely nothing to stop the fragile reproducer from hitting the table or ?? the machine was on.
If the reproducer was hit like this...the needle bar will become dislocated from. the mica.
So, this "safe guard" was added to insure the reproducer/arm could not fall back.

As a personal note: I by no means think my Berliner or any of my machine's are rarer or any better than anyone else's and in no way want to come across as bragging. We are all trying to understand and add whatever information we can, with the hopes some find it interesting. The above is solely my opinion and again, based on my own observations and books I have read.

[gramophone78]

Interesting that the Victor Type "A" has the Right Sided Brake.

Bob, I think for easier access the lever was placed on the right on a Type A.... .

[Phonolair]

George,

Any idea why some are "Left-Handed" and some are "Right-Handed" Brakes?

Bob S.

I think this happens when the brake has been removed and improperly reinstalled. From my observations, I believe the correct position of the lever is to the left of the brake arm. I'd be happy to know for sure, or if either position is correct.

George P.

I would have to agree with George also. Someone along the way had removed the lever (easy to do) and placed it the other way. Maybe, they were left handed and ordered it this way.... .

I believe both ways left and right are correct. These levers have a flat machined in them and once the flat is machined it can only be assembled one way to work. So even if someone has taken it apart, it has to go back together the original way or it won't work. It very well could be as simple as who was machining the flats on these levers that hour, day or supplier.

Best Regards, Larry