Is this a repro Edison crank?

[jboger]

I took a photo of two cranks. The top one I think is a repro--unless Edison made cranks of this sort? The crank is cast in one piece and has a screw to hold the wood handle. Doesn't look right to me, but--heh--what do I know. Any one care to enlighten the ignorant?

[phonogal]

The top one looks like a Columbia crank to me.

[jboger]

I should add it came on an Edison and functions perfectly. It's internally threaded and has the right threads for an Edison. Were Edisons and Columbias interchangeable? I doubt it.

[JerryVan]

Either Columbia, as the knob shape suggests, or something else, but not Edison.

[Phonofreak]

It is definitely a Columbia crank. It is used used for either cylinder machines or the smaller disk machines like the BH, AJ, or the early client machines. Whenever you see the bulbous knob, that is a dead give-away of a Columbia crank.
Harvey Kravitz

[jboger]

OK, three yeas for a Columbia. Still, it came on an Edison and fits perfectly. Edison and Columbia were competitors. I wouldn't think their cranks would be interchangeable. But like I said at the beginning of this thread--hey, what do I know.

[gemering]

Columbia

No question about it.

[downsouth]

Columbia no doubt.

[jboger]

Yep, just tried out the Edison "repro" on a Columbia cylinder machine and the crank threaded on easily. So, judging by the handle, it was originally made for a Columbia but works for and Edison.

[Phonofreak]

Yes, Edison and Columbia has the same thread pitch on the cranks. Either one will fit, but for authenticity sake, have the correct crank with the machine.
Harvey Kravitz