Lumiere stylus bar types

[Oedipus]

The HMV Models 460 and 510 Lumiere machines have a wooden push-rod which forms part of the stylus bar arrangement. Sometimes this bar is of constant diameter, but sometimes it has a central swelling (like a Greek column, only more so!). The latter type also has a horizontal suspension spring just above the needle socket, mounted between black (?celluloid) cheeks, whereas the the straight type of rod has the suspension spring mounted vertically, with no celluloid 'insulators'.

One of these types must have preceded the other, but which? The problem is that we know a change was made in he diaphragm at the beginning of 1925, and was important enough for the company to supply the new version to all existing owners -- but we do not know what the change was. Nor do we know how many existing models were actually converted.

I remarked on the two types of suspension in For the Record No 15 (Autumn 2005), with a photo showing the two types of suspension. Unfortunately I no longer have the original photo, and the black and white image in FtR is not clear enough to be worth reproducing. Can anyone supply me with a clear colour photo of the horizontal-spring type? I have photos of the vertical-spring type, which is possibly the more common. There is an opportunity to write an update in FtR, which is why I am seeking a new photo.

Many thanks for any help anyone can offer!

[barnettrp21122]

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Bob