The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Out of curiosity I took the 2 & 4 minute gearing apart to see what it was intended for, it is clearly marked Home C. So that may be why the 2 & 4 minute lever and clutch connection looks different as there can't be many model C conversions around and we just haven't seen this set up before or very often. The clutch cover has the lip like the model D does but this clutch cover is very thin about half the model D so it would be difficult to change speeds with your fingers. So that's probably why the 2 & 4 minute lever is connected to the clutch cover on the model C gearing setup.

Did the new center bearing fit in the old center stanchion, or was drilling/grinding necessary?

In this case the bearing is a modern replacement (not pot metal) and I see no signs of anything being drilled or changed. It is the same size as the Home D and up center bearing.

Best Regards, Larry

After studying the above responses, and poring through the Compendium, I would agree that it was originally a Model A that was later 'Amberolized' and converted to work without an end gate at some point.

I notice the chamfer at the end of the upper works (beneath where the end gate would have latched) which does not seem to appear on Model Bs or later; and I detect a slight remnant of the pinstriped spiral nearby.

The 'shims' under the upper works are perhaps replacements for the rubber insulators that preceded the spring suspension system…

Why the end gate was removed is a bit of a puzzle: perhaps an earlier collector found it badly damaged, and could not find a replacement, and so made the modification?

I know this is turned in late, so I don't expect a grade...

Bill

The Model A Home that is currently in my possession came from a farm sale attended by my bicycle collector friend. It did not appear to have been functional for decades so I doubt if it has been in any collectors hands. Jerry

Jerry,

Out of curiosity, what is the serial number?

Fran

Edit: Also; is the "center bearing" actually a bearing or is it just a shaft collar to minimize lateral travel?

Mine is #H125349.

Jerry B. wrote:Mine is #H125349.

For whatever it's worth, that one left the factory about February 1905.

Larry's left the factory about November 1907.

George P.