The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

What a fantastic project and successful realisation, underlined with adequate photos and article. I learnt a lot about this spectacular device. What's next?

Spectacular!- thanks for sharing this amazing machine with us.

Steve

Fantastic restoration George! Really neat machine.

Thanks again, friends. As for what's next, I need a vacation!

George P.

Well, as long as you've re-introduced us to your beautiful Illustrated Song Machine, I feel compelled to chime in on my experience "playing" it.

First of all, your "hands on" approach to showing me the machine from the inside out really impressed me. To be able to drop a coin in the slot and just enjoy the show would have been enough, but when you opened the front up and let me actually see it function, that was the true show!

It is quite amazing that something this mechanically complicated can not only be made to work, but the fact that it works so perfectly after 100 years is a feat not rivaled easily. Seeing the chain drive the stereopticon cards carriage as the reproducer carriage simultaneously advances is pretty darned neat. As you know, I really like the mechanicals of machines best. Gears spinning, sound manifesting, cards flipping over one at a time, I could literally watch that over and over again!

But, when the show has ended and the switch to activate the electric motor is tripped, that's when the fun begins! The carriage is reset and the spring motor rewound, cool and coolest!

And as for your question on the other thread wondering when the last time 4 of these incredible machines were together, I would have to say probably right now is the last time...ever.

And I have been fortunate enough to have witnessed that rendezvou in person.

Thank you my friend,

Fran

This thread could now be called "Three Year Hiatus!"

You're very welcome, Fran. It's a pleasure to share experiences in person - and especially so with folks like you who obviously have a feeling for these artifacts.

George P.

What a beautiful machine..

Thanks for sharing George!

That medallion on the front is HUGE!

)

Tony K.

George -

I am in total awe of the project and the results. Many heartfelt congratulations on a job well done!

Regards,
Martin

Thanks guys.

After I finished mine in 2011, I never thought I'd be working on another one. Or three...!

George P.

George,
A beautiful job and a lesson to the rest of us in perseverance and commitment.
Your contributions to the hobby as a restorer, collector, advice giver, and author are immeasurable!
Congratulations,
Gene