The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Oh sweet! What year would you say for this one? 1895?

AmberolaAndy wrote:Oh sweet! What year would you say for this one? 1895?

If I remember correctly, George once told me it was around 1892 but based upon the recent discussion (re: serial numbers) I really don't know.

Looks like it was well worth the wait, very nice and well thought out.

Larry Crandell

I concur with George about the age of the machine. Certain design characteristics indicate the machine to be 1891-92. It's interesting that the wood governor board is made of oak rather than match the mahogany case. This is quite normal. I've restored around 60 ClassM phonographs over the years and I would say that in 90% of them the type of wood in the case is mismatched from the type of wood in the governor board

edisonclassm wrote:I concur with George about the age of the machine. Certain design characteristics indicate the machine to be 1891-92. It's interesting that the wood governor board is made of oak rather than match the mahogany case. This is quite normal. I've restored around 60 ClassM phonographs over the years and I would say that in 90% of them the type of wood in the case is mismatched from the type of wood in the governor board

I am pretty certain that you did work on this Class M prior to my ownership several decades ago, which would explain the excellent working condition. I know Dave Teti added his touch.

There aren't too many out there that haven't been through my shop at one time or another.

edisonclassm wrote:I concur with George about the age of the machine. Certain design characteristics indicate the machine to be 1891-92. It's interesting that the wood governor board is made of oak rather than match the mahogany case. This is quite normal. I've restored around 60 ClassM phonographs over the years and I would say that in 90% of them the type of wood in the case is mismatched from the type of wood in the governor board

Wow! Manufactured when Harrison was president! I’m struggling fo find anything made before T.R.’s administration. (My Columbia Q could have been manufactured the final months McKinley was president or the first couple month’s of T.R.’s.) I’ve been watching too many videos on YouTube on the presidents.

Very impressive!

Jerry B.

What would the toggle arm below and to the right of the mandrel be for? Was there a bracket mounted to the front left of the case at one time? I see four filled holes. Thanks for sharing this very impressive display.

Phono-Phan wrote:What would the toggle arm below and to the right of the mandrel be for? Was there a bracket mounted to the front left of the case at one time? I see four filled holes. Thanks for sharing this very impressive display.

The "toggle arm" was to lift the reproducer off of the record. This would have been used originally in a business environment. The four filled holes is a mystery but I would guess its for a horn crane.