The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

cheryla wrote:Did they all come with the brass horn. thanks I just got one.

No, the all brass horn was at extra cost. The all black steel horn was the base horn (sold for $1.00 when separate). You then had three choices to upgrade......black & brass ($2.50), all brass ($3.00) and finally the most expensive and rarest of trademark horns.....brass all nickel plated ($4.50).

The base price (with black horn) was $15. If you wanted the nickel plated horn, you had to add another $4.50. So, I'm sure not many were sold.

I only know of three nickel plated horns and one has been re-plated.

George,
Here is my Trademark if you need to add it to your database.
Ken

My '97 model is Serial number 5745.

Hi George,

Here is my 1898 Berliner Trademark Serial # J 9588.

Bob S.

Thanks Ken, Wayne, and Bob for your photos! The database grew a bit today.

George P.

George,

Here is a Mystery for you!
My Early ERJ Victor Type "B" has Serial # 34869.
The motor appears to be from the Consolidated Talking Machine days with a five screw spring case.
It appears that the "J" on the spring barrel has been overstamped with a "B".
The early ERJ tag is stamped Serial # B 34869.

Using up old parts to make Victor machines? Possibly a factory motor replacement?

It just adds the uniqueness.

Cheers, Bob S.

Bob,
I checked mine and the serial number is B20419. So did they start the serial numbers over again once the parts were used up?

Here is the link to my Trademark posting from June of 2018. viewtopic.php?f=2&t=35937&hilit=berliner

I checked mine and the serial number is B20419. So did they start the serial numbers over again once the parts were used up?

Ken,
Very interesting indeed, because the "Dolphin" Victor "B" is the later style case.
Is your spring barrel five screw or three screw, and is it overstamped with a "B" or does it look "factory"?

Bob S.

If this helps....my ERJ Type B serial number 8372 has no markings on the three screw spring housing. The machine is untouched and uncleaned... .
By the way Ken.....my 1897 trademark #5745 also has an all brass spindle gear like yours you posted in your 2018 thread.

Bob, I'm surprised to see a ERJ marked Type B with a 34,000 serial number. After all, Johnson changed the name to VTM fairly soon and the Type B was not a big seller. The few ERJ marked B's I've seen are only up to four digits....what a mystery indeed.

Was a brass nickel plated horn offered on US models (if so, what was the cost) ?. I have not seen a US catalog showing that horn option. I would love to see if anyone has an early catalog for further info. As mentioned, they were offered in Canada (briefly) and of course on UK & European trademark models for a number of years.

Also, here is a stamp found on another '97 model that states "Repaired Nov 29 1898". So you may want to check your case for signs of this stamp. It is very hard to make out.