The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello,
I just added another Edison Spring Motor Phonograph to my collection. My other one is serial # 28191. This one is a little earlier, # 28012 with motor frame casting # 9881. It has the early automatic reproducer with side arm and the two clips to hold it in place. The mandrel is different than my first one in that it is recessed on the right side and the swing arm gate is also different ( see the pictures). It only has one I.D. plate on the top casting and has an Edison decal where the second plate is usually found. There is an old hole drilled through the front of the bed plate and at the bottom of the wooden case is an old oak block held in place with two screws. The block has a center hole in it. It seems that this was for some type of crane to fit into. These modifications look a old as the rest of the machine. George if you see this post any chance you can tell me when this machine left the factory?
thanks
Pete Stratford

A grand machine!
I could not think of a better present to yourself.
Enjoy it in great health.
-Gene

I seldom get a phono related gift. I love the Spring Motor. Maybe we should form a "Christmas Club" and buy each other swell stuff!?! What do others think? Jerry

Sounds like a pyramid scheme. Only the first ones in will ever seen anything....
Dave

A handsome machine indeed.

Clay

[quote="flashpanblue"George if you see this post any chance you can tell me when this machine left the factory?
thanks
Pete Stratford[/quote]

Pete,

Thanks for posting the photos of your very nice Spring Motor. I'm still trying to make sense of the Spring Motor/Triumph serial numbers. I'm getting closer, but as of today, all I can tell you is it left the factory sometime after 5/31/1898. I'd guess 1899 for this one, but I don't want to put bad information into print so I can't be more specific right now.

Thanks again,

George P.

I'm not often jealous, but I must be a little envious of your fantastic find. Boggles the mind how a machine can survive 112+ years and remain nearly new. Would be nice if WE could do that! hehe

What is the last patent date on the tag, from your photo, it almost looks like the later tag that you find on Model A Triumphs. 1899-1900? The mandrel certainly is like that of a class M. A very beautiful machine indeed. congratulations!!!

Hi All,
The last patent date on the I.D. tag is may 31 1898.
Pete

Dave D wrote:Sounds like a pyramid scheme. Only the first ones in will ever seen anything....
Dave

I just want to make it clear that I was only kidding about the pyramid scheme. I did not mean to imply that Jerry B was a scammer or anything. Please accept my apology if this was not received in the spirit it was intented. May all your Christmas wishes come true!
Sincerely,
Dave D