The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

It took me close to 30 years (really) to finally complete the Holy Trinity of Edison spring-wound table model coin-ops: H, Excelsior, and Bijou. I can add to that a cherry on the sundae: a Manhattan with suitcase Standard supplied by Edison (but mounted on spindly legs).

The H was my final and most difficult challenge. And wow, what a complex and delicate mechanism. I'm not surprised that Columbia sold so many more coin-ops than Edison: they were mechanically more reliable and much less expensive. The Edisons are hens' teeth by comparison. The H is a fabulous machine but unbelievably complex and delicate. The tiniest tweak to one adjustment will throw another one out. Finding the perfect balance takes hours, but for now (at least) it's working flawlessly.

Beautiful machines and very nicely displayed too.

Great find - thanks for sharing.
I hope that you started your 30 yr quest young enough to have 30 more to enjoy your machine.

Bruce

Congratulations, Rene. To obtain any one of those models would be a coup! Your cup runneth over...

George P.

Rene,
Congratulations and very nice! Your description of the "H" reminds me of Henri Maillardet's Automaton!

Steve

That's an amazing collection. Thanks for sharing. Jerry

Stunning, Rene’!

Shawn

Very nice.

I see a potential article for ITG and / or Antique Phonograph on the set-up, fine-tuning and care and feeding instructions for these machines. Shawn's articles on coin-op mechanisms have been very informative.

Shawn did a terrific article on the early-style H last year. Mine is the second style, with a chain return rather than string driven. There are significant differences. The early version worked like most coin-ops in that the coin is inserted first, then the machine is wound. In the second style the machine has to be wound, and then the coin inserted.

I don't have Shawn's talent for describing the operation of these machines so I will not be undertaking any articles on how this H operates. Shawn just needs to get a second one for his collection so he can write a new article!

It's interesting that despite their relatively short lifespans all 3 of Edison's spring-driven coin-ops went through two major mechanical design changes, along with many very small differences since these were pretty much made to order. So to have a really complete collection would require at least two of each.

I would love to see a video of them all working especially the H!

Thanks for sharing!