The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello,
Yesterday I found an Edison Model C Standard at a house sale. It is the first model C that I have come across that was set up with the I.C.S repeating attachment. It also has the external speed control. It came with the original brass bell horn and eight 2 minute I.C.S French cylinders ( seven have boxes, one does not). The finish on the case has flaked off over the years and there is nothing left of the Edison decal that was on the front. The mandrel bearing has seized up and the reproducer is missing the two minute stylus from the bar. The horn bell has some creases but I think that they should roll out nicely. Bed plate paint and decals are in great shape. The motor runs fine but will need to be cleaned. I plan on refinishing the case and putting a new Edison decal on the front. I just though that I would post some pictures of the machine as it should make for a fun project. For you new collectors this is the kind of project machine that you should keep your eyes out for. I paid $200.00 for it.
Pete

Great project machine and a bit unusual too. Jerry

It looks like a Model C Standard. Model C machines are pretty scarce. Nice find. It will be a great project to do.
Harvey Kravitz

What a nice find. I hope when you've finished your project, that you can take a video of it repeating. I'd love to see that!

The bed-plate and striping look excellent, as does the plating !

You got a great deal.


I would love to add one of these to my collection, as Scranton, PA is the birthplace (or at least long-time home) of International Correspondence Schools, still going as Penn-Foster Career School.


Please share more pics and some video.

The most difficult task on this project will be trying to remove the swollen mandrel bearing. In all my 40 plus years of collecting I have never had to replace one. If anybody has any tips for me it would be appreciated. I am also trying to figure out how to remove the I.C.S. celluloid tag without damaging it
Pete

Great find. Amazing that the pin striping on the bed plate is perfect, but the wood finish is so far gone. Seems it did not get too much use and was stored with the lid on.

Andreas

Pete, Here is what I do to remove the swollen bearing: First I saturate the area with either PB Blaster, Liquid Wrench, or Kroil. I place paper towel over the area to keep oil inside. After a day or so, I carefully twist the mandrel until it is loose. You may have to repeat this procedure a few times. Do not rush on this. You could accidentally bend the shaft or damage the mandrel. When the mandrel is removed, chip away the pot metal bearing. I use a small strong screwdriver to chip the bearing like a small chisel. If you need a hammer, use either a 6 or 8oz cabinet hammer. I have one in my tool box for delicate work like this. You can get a replacement bearing from either Ron Sitko, or Wyatt. In the Complete Talking Machine, there is a discussion on how to remove a swollen shaft. To remove the celluloid tag, use a very thin jeweler's screwdriver. Carefully pry the little brads. Once the head is clear of the tag, use a needle nose pliers to pull out the brads. Good luch with your project. It will be a nice machine when you are done.
Harvey Kravitz

flashpanblue wrote:The most difficult task on this project will be trying to remove the swollen mandrel bearing. In all my 40 plus years of collecting I have never had to replace one. If anybody has any tips for me it would be appreciated. I am also trying to figure out how to remove the I.C.S. celluloid tag without damaging it
Pete

Hi Harvey,
Thanks for the information! I just applied the first dose of Liquid wrench!
Pete

flashpanblue wrote:Hi Harvey,
Thanks for the information! I just applied the first dose of Liquid wrench!
Pete

PB Blaster is much much better than Liquid wrench!