The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

An example like this appeared on the Umeya site a few years back. Back in the day there were many furniture makers willing to make special items. This one probably started out as an C250. A real nice find over a standard C250. Let us know more when you can.

Haven't heard a word from the person as when I can see the phonograph. Asking price is $300

Larry

I'd really like to see what is under the turntable. I've only come across one patent related to an electrically driven mechanism for a Diamond Disc Phonograph, and it was just for a modified governor, not the entire mechanism with motor (No. 1,486,958; W. E. GIBBS - PHONOGRAPH - filed May 1, 1920 and awarded March 18, 1924).

It seems unlikely (to me) that TAE, Inc. actually manufactured any electrically powered units, as I haven't found anything substantiating that they did.

As for the mention of the so-called "Duncan" stop, it was discontinued by TAE, Inc. before the end of WW1.

If anyone knows of an actual existing electrically powered DD Phonograph, that was manufactured/produced by TAE, Inc. I would appreciate any documented and authenticated information related to it.

Best,
Fran

The unit has a wind handle on the side, so it's obviously A Spring powered DD Phonograph. The wall plug is probably just for a light installed inside the unit.. A popular add-on of the time period.

$300 is an absolute steal for that rare unit...especially if it's got Walnut in it like Frow describes. The Walnut he described was not just a "finish" either.

PS: Even if you don't buy the phonograph, At least get some good/better pics of it! We are all dying to see more of it!

It's just amazing what is STILL out there today.

)

Tony K.

Edison Collector/Restorer

Fran,
Do you know how the modified governer works? I find it interesting that they would make a motor that's half electric and half spring powered instead of just making one that's all electric. Thank you,

-Tom

Tpapp54321 wrote:Fran,
Do you know how the modified governer works? I find it interesting that they would make a motor that's half electric and half spring powered instead of just making one that's all electric. Thank you,

-Tom

Hi Tom,

I don't want to hijack this thread too far off of it's axis, I was only countering some of the other posts that had mentioned certain perceived features in the photos.

I didn't mean to imply that there could be any electric component to this particular mechanism, in fact just the opposite.

To your question: The Patent that I referred to above claimed his invention related to "phonographs" [motors] but more particularly to the "Edison type" [motors].

In Gibbs' claims, he stated that his "improved governor for a motor-driven device or mechanism such as a phonograph,[...]is insured that such device will be driven at the constant and uniform speed desired [...] regardless of variations in the power or torque [...] maintaining the speed [the] device is driven [...] not dependant on fluctuations or variations [...] as is usually the case in such governors, especially those of the centrifugal type."

Essentially, he was claiming that his improvement would eliminate problems associated with speed consistency and "smoothness".

Further on in his claims, he stated: "While I have described and shown my improved governor in connection with a device driven by a spring motor, it is to be understood that the same is applicable for use with other types of motors, and I have found that it is especially adapted for use with electric motors (emphasis mine) in which the power or torque exerted during operation is subject to frequent and wide variations or fluctuations."

Essentially, his "modified governor" is mounted concentrically beneath the turntable mounted to the spindle, as opposed to the standard governor configuration that runs directly off of the mainsprings via gearing.

It consisted of two large hinged weights that -- as I understand it -- would upon rotation, expand outward from center and would contact the inside edge of the turntable's outside flange, causing it to rotate.

Whether or not his invention was ever tested in the Laboratory, with or without an electric motor, I do not know, but would love to.

Best,
Fran

Fran,
Thank you for answering my question that would really be cool if that's what it's for as in the pictures I don't see and lights or phono accessories mounted. Best of luck,

-Tom

Suppose to go look at it tomorrow and pick it up.

Larry

Good luck, Larry! It seems you'll have something special.

Fran

Super exciting. Once it is in hand please share all details. Be certain to get as much history as possible from the seller, even if it means tracking down the prior owner if the seller has only recently acquired it.

If it is a one-off, which we can likely know by comparing the serial number to that shown in Frow, someone can probably find details in the Edison files at Orange some day, as well.