The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Its an AJ with a Victor back bracket, tone arm and horn. The AK had a different case.

Every one of these early, single spring motors that I have seen and owned have the AK stamp. I think these motors were used universally for all the early front and rear mount, and possibly client machines.
Harvey Kravitz

Thanks Harvey about the AK motor stamp. The reproducer had a little more spin to it, so the needle would end up a little closer to the spindle. I'm actually surprised that this combination of parts works out as well as it does. Judging by the crazing, it's been like this for a while as the area under the Victor bracket is less crazed than the surrounding cabinet.

As far as making correct phonographs out of these parts... would the complete phonographs be worth more than the sum of all their parts? I know in other hobbies, the parts are often worth more than the complete item, but I'm not sure if that holds true with phonographs. Being this is already a collection of parts, I have no qualms about selling the parts, but if complete phonographs are worth more, I'll complete the machines. My dad said he has most of the missing pieces to both machines, so it shouldn't be too difficult to complete them.

Well, your choice of course, but were it me and I had the parts at hand to make two good original machines, that would be a "no brainer."

Clay

Hello,
Check EBay there are two Vic I incomplete machines for sale right now. You could have a complete Vic I in no time!!
Pete

I agree that it would be wise to complete the machines. The bracket is a complete one with horn, are desirable parts to have. There are numerous Victor I and E cases missing the back brackets. The cases are easy to find. It would be your choice whether to have a Victor E or I. The Columbia AJ would be a little more difficult to restore. Early Columbia parts are not as plentiful as Victor parts. You would need the arms, bracket, ornate handle,horn, and reproducer. But it is worth it to be patient. In my opinion, I think the Columbia front mount machines are very attractive and desirable.
Harvey Kravitz