Which Exhibition Reproducer?

[phono-farm]

Can anyone help identify which of these two Exhibition reproducers would be most appropriate for a rear-mount Victor Monarch Special? I think these machines were made about 1903-1905 with the rear mount.
The one on the left is nickle colored, serial number 848473N, a round needle hole, and has finer lettering and finer knurling and larger screw heads than the other one.
The one on the right is brass or gold colored, serial number 34854, a round needle hole, and has thicker lettering and coarser knurling and smaller screw heads than the other one.
Or maybe neither of these is the correct variation?

Thanks,
Greg

[Phonolair]

The reproducer on the right #34854 is the earlier of the two with the earlier construction points. The gold color you mention is actually brass, the nickel plating is mostly worn off. With a outside horn Victor I would use #34854.

Larry Crandell

[phono-farm]

OK! Do you happen to know approximately how new a machine would have to be for the nickle Exhibition reproducer to be appropriate?

Greg

[GrafonolaG50]

I don't know if this helps, but the nickel reproducer looks identical in construction to the one on my 1916 VV-IV.

[Henry]

FWIW, my Exhibition, serial 859294N, has the triangular needle hole. It came on my VV-XI-G (1917) and I believe is original to it, although I have no way to be certain about that. I find it interesting that two boxes with such close serials have the different needle holes; don't we all wish for a listing of these sound boxes by serial and date? In other respects mine looks to be identical to the 848473N pictured, except for the knurled lock nut on the rear needle adjust screw; mine has hex nuts on both adjust screws.