The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I am considering buying a Standard B with the Banner logo. It is missing the crank. The price is right if the motor works. How can I wind it to check to see if the motor is operational? The machine seems to be totally wound down as when I release the break, the mandrel does not turn. It does if I turn it manually.I believe this one requires the slotted crank as the crank shaft is not threaded.

Suggestions regarding how to wind and test the motor are appreciated?

Get a piece of appropriate diameter tubing ( copper or even steel ), cut a slot across the end, and use a pair of Vise-Grips to carefully wind it.


Even a sacrificial ¼-inch-drive deep-socket that will just go over the shaft, and grind a slot across the end for the pin. Use a long extension. You can open the machine and wind it that way, if that's easier.

Trying to "back-wind" it by spinning the mandrel backwards is probably futile.


Others can tell you what size tubing will work.

Frank, That idea would work and be easy to do. Can someone tell me the diameter of the crank shaft on the Model B using the Slotted Crank?

I always thought the Standard B had a threaded crank. What is the serial number of the machine in question? Did the very early B Standards have a slotted crank? Thanks, Jerry

Jerry, I could be mistaken as to the Model. Frow's Cylinder Phonograph Companion says the B had the threaded shaft, but I have seen pictures identified as B's with what appears to be the Slotted Crank Handle. The owner doesn't know anything about the machine and without having ready access to it, It's hard for me to know for sure which model it is. It is either an early B or an A? Either way though, I do know the shaft is not threaded.

Is there an easy way to tell for sure which model it is? I don't have the serial number but I could ask the owner.

Bill

The Edison Standard A has the speed control knob above the deck. The B series of Edisons moved the speed adjustment below the deck. ICS machines continued to have the above deck knob because of the differences between entertainment cylinders and language cylinders. Jerry

Hmm, so then it could be an ICS or an A because the Speed Control Knob is on top of the deck?

OK so if it is an A, Early B or and ICS, the shaft is not threaded. What might distinguish it as and ICS machine, are they much different?

Which ever model it is, would the shaft diameter have been the same for all of those that would have used the Slotted Crank? If so, can someone tell me the diameter of the shaft so I can make something to wind the machine to test the motor?

The owner is unwilling to negotiate any further on the price of the machine and for me to pay the price he is asking, the motor must work. If I have to invest time or money into a motor, It's not worth the asking price to me.

Thanks for all the relies so far!

Bill

The ICS Standard machines have the speed control on top. They have phrase repeater which is a little button that, when pushed, lifts the carriage and moves it backwards a few groves. Because of that, the carriage is slightly different. ICS machines generally have a special celluloid tag in front promoting the ICS company. Those are the obvious differences. There may be more. I hope this helps. Jerry

Jerry,

The machine did not have that Tag on it. The pictures I've seen with the ICS tag appear to show the tag is screwed to the front. I don't know about the extra button. The absence of the Tag and screw holes may indicate it's not an ICS.

Bill