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Hello,
Thank you all for your answers. I am considering buying a Canadian Berliner model A that has the reproducer in question. I wanted to be sure that it was possible to rebuilt a reproducer of this type.
Pete

flashpanblue wrote:Hello,
Thank you all for your answers. I am considering buying a Canadian Berliner model A that has the reproducer in question. I wanted to be sure that it was possible to rebuilt a reproducer of this type.
Pete

Pete, in this case, I would like to add the following....

There are two types of Automatic's. Early (as shown) is stamped 1902 (pre-patent) and a re-tooled March 24 1903 "later" version.

1902 stamped Automatic's would be on Type A's below a certain number. So, it's correctness will depend on it's serial number and the machines.

Since this is an item you are thinking to purchase....I should mention the sound box appears to be tampered with and would certainly ask for much clearer pics. I would also ask for pics of the back. This will tell if the retainer/spider is already broken (commonly found).

If you have any other questions regarding this Type A as to originality...you can PM me detailed pics along with the two serial numbers.

I do not rebuild Automatic's belonging to others or my own any longer due to lack of available replacement parts.

However, as previously mention, if you wish to do so....I can offer you full instruction by PM or email.

phonogfp wrote:Hi Pete,

I just want to point out that you have a Canadian Automatic Concert sound box pictured. I don't own one of these, but if it's anything like the U.S. Victor Concert (which it resembles), it will be tricky to rebuild. I'm sure someone on the forum will be able to help/direct you.

Good luck!

George P.

Not to be a stickler on details. However, I just want to point out Berliner never used the term "Concert" pertaining the Automatic Sound Box. The short lived 1901 "Turret" reproducer was marketed as the "Turret Concert Sound Box" (see attached). Like the Automatic Sound Box after it, the Turret Concert was offered for $3.00 with a $1.00 allowance as a replacement for Berliner's first Canadian Clark-Johnson closed face reproducer.

Thanks for the correction; I have edited my earlier post for accuracy.

George P.