The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Make: Canadian Berliner
Model: Type A
Serial No. 3516
Year(s) Made: ? - 1903
Original Cost: $15.00
Case Size: 4" tall, 10" wide by 10" deep
Turntable: 7" turntable
Sound-Box: Berliner Automatic Soundbox
Motor: spring, (1)
Horn Dimensions: 8.5" bell x 14" long
Reproduction Parts: crank, spring barrel, traveling arm, record hold down and main spring
Current Value: subjective and not for sale

Interesting Facts: This machine was a bit of a basket case. I had to produce a new spring barrel from grey iron. I made the traveling arm from a 100+ year old piece of quarter sawed Oak and I produced the traveling arm hardware from 1018 low carbon steel. The brake, traveling arm hardware, arm support, spring barrel and screws were plated locally. The brass bell horn was restored by John Duffy, (highly recommended). The all black horn was restored by me. The cabinet was cleaned and received a coat of shellac, (not stripped). The sound box was rebuild by me and acquired on this forum. Zwebie kindly donated the crank. I will add a picture of the motor next time I have the case open. This machine has been shown on the forum, but I wanted to add it to the archives as a featured phonograph. The elbow in the pictures is a reproduction, but it currently has an original.

Great, two outstanding Featured Phonographs in one day! I remember when you shared pictures of the restoration, admire and envy your skills. Related to a question somewhere else on the forum earlier today, this is where restoration was done perfectly and definitely increased the value dramatically.

Andreas

Thank you Andreas. It was a labor of love, and a fulfilling project. I am glad that I was able to get it back together.

Does the rope propel the turn table like a spring?? How does it go manually?? Very nice restoration I wish I had a little of you patience and talent. Tom

At some time in the machines past, someone had cut into the spring barrel and fashioned a spool in place of the spring. It was quite clever and may have functioned until the governor failed. I don’t know if it was weight driven or if they just kept tension on the cord. It is now a fairly normal Canadian Berliner once again.

That little machine came a long way - congratulations!

George P.

Beautiful work. I'm very impressed. It looks amazing!

You did very well. It's a true poster child for a correct restoration in my opinion.

Thank you for sharing your restoration with us, you've done beautifully!

Best,
Fran

That is some great work... just the type of restoration anyone can appreciate.