The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello,
Two weeks ago a fellow emailed me and asked if I would be interested in buying a Canadian Berliner Phonograph he had. He was a retired antique dealer and knew the machine had value. We agreed on a price of $1000 which included 25 7" Berliner discs. The motor is in very good condition and runs well but is very dirty and dry. The main fiber gear is in very nice shape. Someone long ago put a coat of shellac over the original finish and it has gone dark over time. I am considering if I should strip off the finish and redo it?? I do not know how to take the motor a part or remove the spring or spring cover. The reproducer may be a problem as there is a repair of solder on the needle bar. Here are a few pictures.
Pete

What a great deal... buy 25 Berliner discs for $40 each and he throws in the Berliner phonograph... I think you can double your money!!!

Great buy Pete. I should mention the top is not suppose to be removed. You access these by removing the screws at the bottom. Therefore, you may want to reattach the top board.

It also appears you are missing the elbow clamp. Not sure if anyone is making them anymore.

Regarding the Automatic. I believe I already comment on that to you.

Well done.... .

Mighty fine machine, Pete! The over-coating is a frustrating thing. I'd be wary of trying to melt it off with lacquer thinner for fear of further mixing with the underlying original finish. Maybe paint thinner (mineral spirits) and 0000 steel wool and/or 600 grit wet/dry sandpaper? I suspect you'll be able to remove much of it that way. As always, experiment in an out of the way spot before attacking the whole thing. Very cool!

Martin

Congratulations !


Did the seller throw-in a Fox Terrier ?


Looks like a terrific machine, and to get so many Berliner discs along with it !

Congratulations! That's an awesome deal. I would first try a good cleanup and see how it looks afterwards, before doing anything drastic.

Andreas

Nice! Congratulations - - such "outfits" in the wild are becoming rarer and rarer.

George P.

Nice find Pete.

Rich Gordon

Nice find!!!! Congrats!!! It would be a bargain at twice the price with the records. I would only clean the cabinet and enjoy it.

Pete, You got a great deal on the Berliner and the records. Even with the couple little problems that's still a bargain. I wish I had an antique dealer close giving me deals on Phonographs.

I'd say you're now in the running for bargain of the year. Congrats and enjoy.

Mike