Modified Columbia Disc Graphophone - Any Ideas?

[Oceangoer1]

Just received this today. I believe it is a modified Columbia BH. The coin slot just drops coins into the bottom of the cabinet, so I think it was just put there for show. The motor looks incorrect and so does that extra brake. There are many things going on here, but this is my first external horn machine and I plan to restore it.

Any help identifying the extra parts or what exactly this is would be greatly appreciated!

-Connor

[alang]

Congratulations. If the coin slot piece is original to the machine I would guess that this machine was used in Austria. Very often machines like this were placed in pubs or restaurants. They were not really automated coin slot machines, but worked more on the honor system or may have been placed on a bar and under the watchful eye of the owner. The lock and key indicate that this may have been the case. Interesting like detail.

Good luck with the restoration.
Andreas

[Oceangoer1]

Thanks! Someone probably made the coin slot for this machine, as it fits the curves of the cabinet really well.

I've already got the cabinet apart and someone did fill the original crank hole. I'm also having trouble getting the turntable off the motor. (I put penetrating oil on it to loose it up, but it won't budge. Did these turntables have pot metal?) The turntable is Columbia, but I don't think the motor is. In fact, the motor doesn't have any markings.

-Connor

[Curt A]

I agree with Andreas... most likely used in Austria and most likely an honor system type of coin box. It may have had a small metal box below the slot, so as a coin was dropped, it would make an audible sound... I believe the coin slot is original and the translation is literally: "Throw in one ten heller coin/piece"...

Austrian 10 Heller coins were made from 1892-1916 and are still available on eBay cheap (unless you want an 1892, which goes for about $400). Here is a listing for one at $1.00 - "Buy It Now" and there are others:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1894-Austria-10 ... SwgQ9VwUbZ

If I had your machine, I would definitely want some of those coins...

PS: Whatever you do, don't discard or leave off the coin slot piece in your restoration...

[Curt A]

It shouldn't be hard to find an appropriate Columbia motor. To get the turntable off, hold onto the edge of the turntable and lift up, while having a helper hit the top of the shaft with a rubber mallet... Also, it looks like the reproducer needs a rebuild... Is that a ton of beeswax sealing the edges?

[Curt A]

Fortunately, it appears you have the original crank. The motorboard will probably need re-veneering to cover the additional holes and the "new" crank location will need the same type of treatment. The original crank hole looks to be filled with wood filler, which should just tap out from the back. Is there a round crank escutcheon on the new hole?

[Oceangoer1]

Fortunately, it appears you have the original crank. The motorboard will probably need re-veneering to cover the additional holes and the "new" crank location will need the same type of treatment. The original crank hole looks to be filled with wood filler, which should just tap out from the back. Is there a round crank escutcheon on the new hole?

I will definitely be getting some of those coins! The BH was only made during 1906, 1907, and maybe 1908 so I will be looking for those years. It is missing the original round crank escutcheon. The original crank hole was filled with a dowel, so it should just pop out. The new crank hole has a homemade square escutcheon (similar to the other modified fittings). I think it is actually melted rubber around the reproducer. I'm still trying to get the reproducer apart because the other rubber pieces melted it shut.

Also, which motor would go in this machine? I'm assuming the single spring motor that one usually finds in Columbia external horn machines, like the motor in this Columbia BH (I actually was in the auction for the machine pictured, but I chose not to bid at the last second)

-Connor

[Curt A]

Harvey Kravitz, or some other experts can tell you exactly what motor you need - I'm not positive, so don't want to guess...

Here is a seller who has 13 of these coins for sale and free shipping...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1915-Austria-10 ... rkt%3D1%26

[Oceangoer1]

I got the turntable off! I grabbed my little brother who gladly agreed to be in charge of the rubber mallet.

I also identified the motor. It is an Excelsior 60. I see the holes in the motor board for the correct square-plate single spring Columbia motor, so I'll be looking of that next.

[alang]

Just to play devil's advocate, if the motor was replaced back then, one could make the argument that it is now part of the history of the machine. Excelsior sounds like a European brand and could have been easier to get in Austria during the great War than a Columbia replacement. Of course if it looks like the replacement was done more recently I would also look for a correct replacement. In any case, an interesting and worthy project.

Good luck!
Andreas