Edison/Bettini Class M Phonograph on eBay

[Andersun]

This is the first picture of one I've seen that shows the coiled resistance wire under the deck plate. I assume that the governor is a make-or-break switch type, rather than the conventional friction brake style of spring motors.

With the Class M it would not really matter if you hooked 2, 4, 6, 8 volts to the terminals. The motor would always spin and the large turn screw in the middle left of the picture adjusts a brush that engages the governor. When the governor went to fast, the connection between the brush and the governor was broken and the motor was de-energized until it slowed down which would then reconnect the brush to the governor and start the motor rotating again. This would control the speed.

The Class M did have a friction brake but is was not used to hold rotating potential. It was just to stop the free spin or inertia of the motor after it was de-energized. The brake is part of the on/off lever (see pic) which has an extension with a leather pad that rubs against the motor shaft mounted governor pulley when in the off position.

This machine is different than a normal Class M and might be a special Class E which was a 110/120 volt machine.

Looking at the connection board, you can see the standard 2 main terminals (see picture). In between the mains, you have 4 contactors (the 4th is hidden behind the governor ball) and a sliding selector switch which can select 1 of the 4. My guess is that you have 4 different voltage settings. V = I/R?

Steve

[ambrola]

The last patent date is 1894. Does the case look that old to you guys? I would love to see this machine in person. Looks like to me it would speed up and slow down.

[Andersun]

The last patent date is 1894. Does the case look that old to you guys? I would love to see this machine in person. Looks like to me it would speed up and slow down.

This machine has the later case style, late Spring Motor upper works, late style ID tags, and a nickle plated mandrel. The second ID tag on the upper bed-plate actually has the newest patent date of May 31, 1898. My guess it was sold around or after 1901. If it is a Class M it would have been the Victor. If it is a Class E, then it would be the Conqueror.

The motor rotor has a lot of mass so it rides through the quick de-energized moments.

If someone here in the forum ends up with it, please let us know what the 4 settings were for and what voltage (voltages) it is.

[ambrola]

Did the older class M's have a brass mandrel like the early Homes?

[Andersun]

Did the older class M's have a brass mandrel like the early Homes?

Yes. The Early Class Ms had brass mandrels. The upper works on the Class M was also utilized on the Spring Motor.

[HisMastersVoice]

Wow. Sold for $51,255.55

[fmblizz]

Hey don't forget the $500 shipping... LOL

blizz

[HisMastersVoice]

Hey don't forget the $500 shipping... LOL

blizz

I have a feeling that's pocket change to the winning bidder.

[gramophone78]

Hey don't forget the $500 shipping... LOL

blizz

I have a feeling that's pocket change to the winning bidder.

Brandon, do you need me to lend you a couple thousand.....????? .

[ambrola]

I think its going to Ill.