The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I am searching for a flat-crank for a Columbia Disc Graphophone model BJ, "Imperial".

The crank-arm should be about 5 inches, center-to-center, and describes a 10 inch circle while winding.

The threaded-sleeve should be at least 2-⅜" to 2-½" from the open end to the INSIDE face of the crank arm. Threading is standard Columbia female thread ( ¼-20 ?).

Not sure about the offset for the arm: the machine measures 3-⅜" + from the shoulder of the winding arbor ( where the threaded-sleeve "bottoms" ) to the outer edge of the motorboard moulding.

That would suggest to me a minimum off-set of 1" in the arm.

Plating not critical, but would prefer no heavy rust / deep pits...

What have you in your parts bins / junk boxes ?

Thanks !

Frank McMullen

I just wanted to chime in. Initially Frank asked me before he posted this on the Forum. I thought the crank off of a late AH or BI will work. The arm and throw is the right size, however, the shaft is to short.
Harvey Kravitz

Bump.