The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

In Eric Reiss' s book on pg.159, he mentions that at least six versions of the Trademark/Dog model gramophone, existed.
Can somebody enlighten me which are the "at least six"?
I count the two side brake versions (rotating and pivoting), the top mounted bolt brake version, the Canadian version, Victor B. That is only five.

Lever wind?

Here is a shot at it. I am most sure I've missed at least one that others can add.

1893 - 1896 {not completely sure about those dates off the top of my head) String wind - two major variations painted/pen stripped then later, copper flash finish
1896 Tin can style lever wind
1897 lever wind
1897 Side brake - fall forward
1998 Side brake - flip out
1899 Top brake

Then there are the more obscure ones:

1898 Universal Coin Operated Berliner
1898 Montross Berliner
1899 JS Berliner

The "Trademark/Dog Model Gramophone" was specified; known in the 1890s as the "Improved Gramophone." No telling what Reiss means by "versions," but the first Improved Gramophones had 2-weight governors and flat-belled horns. Then the governors went to 3-weights. Then the horns went to curved bells. As noted above, there are 2 side-brake versions and 1 top brake. The earlier side brake versions came without an additional sound box rest by the brake. Some of the later side-brake version have that additional rest/guide. Some of the top-brake versions have a small instructional plate on the traveling arm, while others don't.

Then of course, there are the German, French, Asian versions of the Improved Gramophone... Certainly more than 6 variations depending upon one's interpretation!

George P.

Don't forget all the UK versions.... .

And the electric motor-driven model.

JohnM wrote:And the electric motor-driven model.

I did not know that there was an electric driven version of the Berliner trademark type. I was not even aware that Berliner or Victor made any electric versions of their external horn machines. Would anyone be willing to share some information and maybe pictures?
Thank you
Andreas

My bad. The original post refers specifically to the "Trademark/dog" model, but when all models began to be listed, I jumped in with the electric.

And such a shame Berliner's recording machinery didn't run as steadily as I'm sure the best of these players did!