The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Uncle Vanya wrote:I once found a Rishell machine with a Meisselbach motor that had been repaired by a fellow who forgot to mark the proper direction for the installation of the springs in their barrels. the motor ran backward, and did so rather well, so a jbackward-running machine IS a possibility.

If the spring/s are installed backwards, how do they wind up unless the ratchet is reversed to allow the machine to be wound backwards??
I've tried to get spring motors of various types to run backwards, & it has NEVER been successful. If someone can, I'd LOVE to see it!

These odd Meisselbah motors had over or drive gears that were sloppy enough to run backwards, and the ink reversed the winding check spring so that the motor would "work". it was he darnedest thing. I just ended up replacing the entire motor.

Hello again (for some I posted as guest), there was a new development in this -
Yes, it did run the wrong way so it must've been improperly rebuilt. Note I said "did". Since I'm still waiting for a replacement crank, I tried winding it with a screw and a wrench and much to my horror after a couple of turns... *plunk!*. Sounded to me like the main spring broke because after that the motor didn't work at all, and I'm pretty sure I didn't over wind it. Can this be fixed?? I must re-iterate, I'm very much new to talking machines so any advice is appreciated.

Charles, your best bet is to buy the book "The Complete Talking Machine"...sort of the Bible of antique phonograph repair and maintenance. Copies are readily available and it won't break the bank. Spring motor repair is covered and with photographs. Much easier than anyone trying to describe the procedure to you. Just my 2 kroner. John