The Victrola No.4 A sound box from 1926

[Edisonfan]

Here are two better photos of the soundbox.

Yes that's normal, as you can see in this video of various No. 4 sound boxes -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68-PNRk9a4Q -- On my later model HMV No. 4, the thumbscrew is positioned in the same way. The same is true for my Victor Orthophonic sound box.

I think that was done to relieve direct pressure or force on the diaphragm when tightening the needle.

OrthoFan

Thank you for that and the video!