The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

This is a friends machine - I have two questions. First, a plate on the back mentions Edison and Pathé - what does that indicate? Secondly, there is a knob on a shaft on the right side of the cabinet that slides in and out - moving a piece of wood with a hole in it below the plate aforementioned. What is that accomplishing? Any other information on this machine that I can pass on to its owner would be appreciated. Thanks

The large central hole in the metal plate was meant to hold an adapter which was fitted between the tone arm and the sound box to allow the play of vertically-recorded discs such as Edison or Pathé. The small holes to either side of the adapter held the styli mounted on shanks to play Edison (a pointed jewel stylus) or Pathé (a round ball stylus).

The knob on a shaft which moves a piece of wood with a hole in it is a volume control.

George P.

Here is the plate in my Silvertone, with the vertical attachment and two Pathé styluses. My holes both read FOR JEWEL NEEDLE.