Berliner Model E Gram-O-Phone

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Zenger
Victor II
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Berliner Model E Gram-O-Phone

Post by Zenger »

For a summer project I've been going through some of my machines in storage and have come across a few that have puzzled me ever since I found them. This one is a Berliner Gram-O-Phone; according to the tag, it's Canadian, and I believe it's a model E. (For scale, that's a 7" turntable.) Can anyone tell me when, approximately, this was made and sold? Was it sold in the U.S., too, or just Canada? Would that reproducer have been standard issue, or was it a later upgrade? Does the rest look original? Can anyone tell me anything else about it? Is there any information about Berliner's early Canadian machines online? I've never seen another in person.

Thanks!
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Berliner E 1.jpg
Berliner E 2.jpg
Berliner E 3.jpg
Berliner E 4.jpg

JerryVan
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Re: Berliner Model E Gram-O-Phone

Post by JerryVan »

The reproducer is correct for the Canadian model, although it's mounted on the wrong side of the traveling arm.

Zenger
Victor II
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Re: Berliner Model E Gram-O-Phone

Post by Zenger »

Yes, I did that! Wasn't paying attention...

So would this have been made after 1903 (the date on the reproducer)? Any idea how long after?

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phonospud
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Re: Berliner Model E Gram-O-Phone

Post by phonospud »

Yours is the earlier, 1st model of the E. Here’s the later 2nd model. 2 Pyramid models serial numbers I know of are in the 2500’s.
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phonospud
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Re: Berliner Model E Gram-O-Phone

Post by phonospud »

The reproducer on your machine is a factory offered upgrade from the time. Your machine would probably be 1903-ish. It has a record clamp so it’s definitely earlier than most. The earlier machines had the Berliner Automatic reproducer which was unique to itself. Kind of like a Victor Concert but made a little lighter, no knurl on the OD, and with factory information stamped into the side. Some of these reproducers have a partial domed shield over the mica. Hope this helps as I’m just going by memory.
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Finest in music box and phonograph restorations for over 40 years

Zenger
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Re: Berliner Model E Gram-O-Phone

Post by Zenger »

Great info and pictures! Thank you very much.

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