The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

gramophone78 wrote:

phonogfp wrote:

gramophone78 wrote: it was my understanding the guard was introduced in early '99. The single screw "lever" brake also carried onto the next model.

Now, I could be wrong in all this..... .

Based on the Berliners examined in this thread, I think it's a good bet that the guard was introduced in 1898.

George P.

OK, so why does mine and others not have the guard..??. Nor do we see a guard on the HMV model. Then, we also don't know if some of these '98's were retrofitted with the guard..??. A very simple upgrade at the time... .

gramophone78 wrote:

Ripduf1 wrote:Victrolaboy, The last guy to make them that I am aware of was M. Stehlik of Ontario. His inventory was bought out by J&S antiques, as I understand it. The recent thread on Zonophone Concert V reproducers has the contact information for J&S. The way that thread reads - they may be tooling up for another run of product. That is where I would start.

George and Wayne, I have a swing brake TM with two screws holding the brake and there is no guard. The thread is so down in the weeds, I would love for a summary description of what machine you are hoping to find. John

Victrolaboy, I thought you answered your own question when you wrote..."I bet it could be saved because reproduction parts are readily available. The only tough part would be finding an original reproducer and horn."

So, I assumed you knew something most of us don't... .

As John has mentioned, Mr. Stehlik made quality reproduction parts for Berliner's as well as for other makes. The only parts he did not make (Berliner) were horns, case or cast parts.

Clark/Johnson's (and many others), record nuts, clamps, leather elbows (black or brown), complete tone arms and "all" types of brakes were available from him.

By the way, the part you call the "brake" being ripped off was actually the tone arm rest as George and others have pointed out.... .

Unfortunately, Mr. Stehlik would not sell or provide anyone his parts information or dies, etc....
As he expressed to me. "I started this business and I end it".
I think he felt he had put in a lot of time and work making these parts......so,let someone else go through the process.

It certainly was not a money making endeavor for him.....that's for sure.

Not to mention the fact he is a gifted machinist.

How many of us had him make that one custom part for that certain machine to be completed (especially coin-op)...??.

A true gentleman and friend.

So, I don't think Justin was given any assistance in this by him. Unless Mr. Stehlik had a change of heart.

It does however seem that Justin is now realizing there is a market for such parts and has taken up the torch. He has also combined the cast parts that were once made by the Smiths.

Therefore, J&S should offer more in one location.

What a wonderful thing......I think... . I hope he does well.

John, That is correct.....the swing brake is held by two screws (see pic I posted)

Zwebie wrote:George,

Any idea why some are "Left-Handed" and some are "Right-Handed" Brakes?

Bob S.

phonogfp wrote:

Zwebie wrote:George,

Any idea why some are "Left-Handed" and some are "Right-Handed" Brakes?

Bob S.

I think this happens when the brake has been removed and improperly reinstalled. From my observations, I believe the correct position of the lever is to the left of the brake arm. I'd be happy to know for sure, or if either position is correct.

George P.