The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Thank you for approving my membership. I joined because I received an early 1920's Cecilian Console Phonograph. It's in rough shape. I've had tons of trouble learning anything about it. I found out online that it was sold via mail order by Montgomery Ward.

In any case, yesterday I removed the mechanism to begin restoration and I found the original manual in mint condition minus a small grease spot on the front cover.

I've attached a PDF that I made of that booklet.

Question: The machine has 2 doors on either side of the front that are stuck shut. When I pull on the knobs the doors jiggle but they refuse to open. I don't believe that it is from swelling (the machine was stored for many years in an unheated basement) because the wood moves freely when I pull on the door pulls. I am wondering how doors were latched on these machines in the early 1920's and if anyone has any idea how I might free them. The only way I can even see to get them free, at present, would require destroying a piece of the machine and I will, if necessary, leave them shut forever rather than destroy the cabinet. Any advice would be appreciated.

-Larry Marcille; Martinsburg, West Virginia, USA

Many thanks for the manual scan! It is quite generous of you.

About the doors: I would expect that they're held shut by little rounded buttons with springs, same as in most cabinets. They should be either above or below the doors, on the side opposite the hinges. Some spray lube or oil should get them working.

Here's a photo of what Edisone is talking about. If you can slide a credit card or piece of card stock between the door and the surrounding cabinet, you should be able to locate the exact position of these ball catches. Sometimes you can use something stiff like a credit card to depress the ball enough to open the door. Then lubrication is easy.

Good luck!

George P.

Thanks George. I will try that.

It worked!! I got the doors open!!!

Excellent! A drop of oil on each ball catch and you should be good for another half-century or so...

George P.