The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

This is the most unusual spring motor I have ever seen on a talking machine: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/160984125269? ... 1423.l2649

It appears that after extensive testing, the designer decided to bench the design.

(Sorry, couldn't resist )

I've seen that kind of motor used on music boxes

estott wrote:I've seen that kind of motor used on music boxes

You are right.

Some disc musical boxes, including Polyphon and Regina, were fitted with helically wound wire springs which extended across the width of the case.

The motor we have here appears to be an unholy alliance between a musical box and a gramophone. Very ingenious, but why do it?

I''ve never encountered a helical spring in a Regina, but I've seen them numerous times in Polyphons. They were related companies so not out of the realm of possibility, but I've never seen one. Perhaps on some boxes smaller than 15.5"?

I once saw opposed leaf springs on an off-brand European disc box. Can't recall the brand, I'll have to give it a think.

Brad wrote:It appears that after extensive testing, the designer decided to bench the design.

Then with urgings from his wife, he place the spring back on the garage door.

James.

You will often encounter that type of spring drive in cylinder phonograph talking dolls. I've never seen one in a large scale version like that, though.

Jim

Another one was posted on the UK board, and identified- it's a Jenkins motor

estott wrote:Another one was posted on the UK board, and identified- it's a Jenkins motor: http://[link removed]/sutra8310.php#8310

It is the same one, and I would very much like to know how the "very very cheap" gramophone called "Suprphone" or "Suprgrand" looked like in complete form: http://tinyurl.com/d8hxbsq