Factory error?

[edisonclassm]

I recently purchased a Victor MS that was totally original and untouched, and I was cleaning and detailing it and when I inspected the mainsprings to see if they had enough grease. Lo and behold the middle spring had been installed backwards which caused it to be wound backwards to the installation causing the center section of it to form in reverse. Eventually the hitch pin disconnected from the malformed spring. Apparently, the machine got along on the two remaining springs. This is the first time in 62 years I have ever encountered this. Anyone else come across this? Never a dull moment in the antique phonograph hobby, eh?

[Phono-Phan]

You will have to hang that one on the wall.

[phonospud]

I’m surprised it actually worked that way!

[ColoradoPhonograf]

Very odd. I'm shocked its not broken. Center spring probably saved the whole explosion from happening. Great photo.

ColoradoPhonograf

[edisonclassm]

I decided to try and rewind it the right way, so I mounted the arbor in the lathe chuck and using a pair of leather gloves proceeded to wind it in the correct direction. I thought it would break up but it didn't. I re-installed it in the barrel and put the motor back together again. Success! It works great!