Columbia AH , coin operated?

[stevel]

I've just acquired this AH (I think) for it's motor as it's just what I need to restore by AH which is in much better condition!
What intrigued me about this case was that it has a coin slot - there is no trace of a coin mechanism so either someone made the case into a bizarre piggy bank or maybe you put your coin in the slot and were then given the winding handle?
Any come across such a thing before?
Thanks
Steve

[ambrola]

I don't know about that Steve? It looks like a 3rd model AJ with the crank in the rear. Some of the guys will chime in and set us both right. I also don't have a clue as to why that slot is there. Your guess about a piggy bank may have more meaning than you think.

[Phonofreak]

Amberola is correct. It is a 3rd model AJ. The later model AH had a bigger and more elaborate case. The AH had a 2 spring motor, whereas the AJ had a 1 spring motor. The slot in the case is a mystery. It looks like it was done years ago.
Harvey Kravitz

[EarlH]

Some music boxes had a coin thing like that on them and whoever was in charge of the machine would operate it for you and they just dropped the penny or whatever inside the cabinet, some of them had a bell the coin would land on as well. Probably a lot cheaper than an elaborate 'automatic' playing system. It's really kind of an interesting part of history how some of these machines were used when they were new. It makes me wonder how much money they actually took in, and how much music was just played anyway on them. I know a guy that has one of the Edison cylinder coin operated things and he said it was not much fun getting it to work right. At least this way, you wouldn't have to listen to the same record over and over. Haha!

[jboger]

I think the coin slot makes this an interesting machine, one that has a history. That motor is fairly common. Just a suggestion, but perhaps restore this machine as well. Find a different motor to repair your other AH, and work on this one as well.

[outune]

Steve-- You mention using this motor in your AH-- There were at least two different motor configurations on the AH... probably more-- To my knowledge they are all 2 spring motors-- and of course the motor in the AJ that is being discussed is a single spring motor. Spindle and other parts are interchangeable with one of the AH version motors, but this AJ motor is not a "plug and play" motor for your AH.

Brad Abell

[NEFaurora]

Can you show us a close-up pic of the white Dealer tag in the top corner of the machine??

)

Thanks..

Tony K.

Edison Collector/Restorer

[Panatropia]

I think the coin slot makes this an interesting machine, one that has a history. That motor is fairly common. Just a suggestion, but perhaps restore this machine as well. Find a different motor to repair your other AH, and work on this one as well.

If I may share my concurrence with the Gentleman's thoughts above. This is a fairly easy machine to restore and find parts for. I love that slot. And the celluloid dealer tag.

[stevel]

Can you show us a close-up pic of the white Dealer tag in the top corner of the machine??

)

Thanks..

Tony K.

Edison Collector/Restorer

Sure , here you go

[stevel]

Steve-- You mention using this motor in your AH-- There were at least two different motor configurations on the AH... probably more-- To my knowledge they are all 2 spring motors-- and of course the motor in the AJ that is being discussed is a single spring motor. Spindle and other parts are interchangeable with one of the AH version motors, but this AJ motor is not a "plug and play" motor for your AH.

Brad Abell

You're right Brad , It is indeed an AJ that I have already and not an AH as I posted , which is why this is the motor I need!
http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... =2&t=20757

Thanks
Steve