A Rare "Bird" - Columbia Eagle With 2/4 Minute Gearing

[phonohound]

I'd like to share with you what is most likely a one-of-a-kind Columbia Model B Eagle.

The phonograph itself is an early model, possibly 1897 since it has the spring barrel plates. It also has the scarce optional crane accessory and a 14" brass horn and a crank instead of the winding key. This alone would make it special, but what really makes this machine incredible is the 2/4 gearing installed circa 1908 . This machine was sold by Edisonia, a dealer located in Newark, NJ. The Columbia number 7 reproducer stylus is somewhere in size between 2 and 4 minute. There is no mention of Columbia or American Graphophone anywhere on this phonograph.

What is so interesting is why an obsolete machine from the 19th century would have been upgraded to play 4 minute records. Regardless, this Eagle is one of the most interesting I have ever seen.

Please see photos below and a link showing it playing a Blue Amberol cylinder.

https://youtu.be/DsYvSUj0LCU

[TinfoilPhono]

Wow-- that is amazing, and incredibly cool.

[phonohound]

Thanks Rene.

[dzavracky]

WOW, that is super cool! Congrats on such a neat find.

David

[phonohound]

Thank you David.

[Jerry B.]

Thanks for this thread. If I hadn't seen the photos I would have been doubtful. Has anyone seen another? Does George have one???

Jerry B.

[fran604g]

Incredible. Has anyone here ever seen any indication this gearing was offered in a catalog?

I wonder if the reason for a crank vs. key would mean the main spring was replaced with a more powerful one?

Very cool!

Fran

[fmblizz]

WOW thanks for sharing... special indeed.

blizz

[FellowCollector]

This is very interesting and delightful. It appears by the machining chatter marks seen in a couple of the closeup pictures of the added drive train components that this was the product of a very skilled and enterprising machinist. The oak base is unusual and unique as well. I'm wondering with the video edited to conclude as the cylinder is apparently slowing down and the recording tempo and vocal cadence is slowing whether the motor is capable of playing completely through a 4-minute cylinder. I have several Eagles in the collection and as I recall I can 'almost' play two complete 2-minute cylinders on a single full winding. But not quite. If this example can play through a typical 4 minute cylinder without slowing at the conclusion it would be impressive. In any case, thank you very much for sharing this very unusual one of a kind Columbia Eagle. I would be delighted (as you are) to own it.

Doug

[JerryVan]

The crank and ratchet arrangement would allow the machine to be wound while playing, where as a stock Model B motor would stop while winding. This would allow for a bit of extra winding to get through 4 minutes without slowing/stopping the motor. Clever! I agree that this appears to be a "machinist's special" rather than a mass produced aftermarket offering.