The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Silvertone wrote:I found that there are several Perfect Pocket Oilers on ebay right now, so it seems that these are not too hard to find. Apparently they were common in the day and used by clock and gun dealers.

Now that we know exactly what goes into one of the holes, we need a good picture of the screwdriver

Sure!
My "Perfect Pocket Oiler" isn't nearly as clean as Steve's...! Note the bayonet mount for the cap. On the bottom it's stamped "Made in USA."

I checked both wooden boxes and sure enough - there are tiny holes at bottoms of the opposite sides of the nail holes I showed.

George P.

Mr Medved reports that he thinks there are three different model M stem lengths, with the short stem appearing first. This doesn't answer the question about reproducers and the WLB, however [nod to PeterF]. Does anyone want to start a data-collection request thread regarding the WLB version in which Amberola?

I chuckle to think what the "old man" or Peter Weber or whoever would think if they knew people would be discussing their "weird little box" over a hundred years hence.

Fascinatin'.

Best,
Fran

Interesting to note that the Edison School Phonograph recently mentioned in the eBay/Craigslist section also included this box:

Wow! Great catch, coyote, and thanks for reviving this interesting thread.

Since the School Phonograph uses the 4 M-only "Opera" mechanism (indeed, René Rondeau pointed out all the School Phonographs he has tracked down are designated "Opera"), this three-hole box must've originally held a Model L reproducer. I don't think that three-hole box could accommodate a Diamond A. Am I drawing the right conclusion? Or would the recorder pictured fit in that box? [I guess I'll have to scare up $22,500 and find out for myself! ]

Best wishes, Mark

Strangely my A-250 (Serial number 336) came with the interior part nailed in the back as well. No box, just the angled piece.