The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Since there have been a few threads showing gizmos and gadgets, I thought I would show the Phonometer.

I have seen this device (also in a wood case) manufactured by the Phonographic Music Co. of Brooklyn NY. Thanks to Allen Koenigsberg's article in the Sept. 2014 issue of AP magazine.

According to Mr. Koenigsberg, it was difficult for him to establish who the inventor of this device was.

What was discovered was, the device was filed by a Wm. Ingersoll Sherwood (1867-1948) who was solely linked to the Phonographic Music Co. for a patent in Canada on Sept 1907.

The patent application was granted in Canada in 1909 (117,422).

However, based on the wording "manufactured by" on my box, it would seem that the Berliner Gramophone Co. Montreal Canada, bought the rights for this device and sold it through his retail stores within Canada.

An interesting note....these devices retailed for $1.00. However, in the top right corner of the box is "13". Now the price could not be 13 cents. Any thoughts as to what the 13 represents..??. Perhaps a digit is missing and should read $1.13. Yet there is no $ sign or decimal present.... .

that's a great find in the original packaging. did it turn up in a machine, or just randomly? and what exactly did it do?

brianu wrote:that's a great find in the original packaging. did it turn up in a machine, or just randomly? and what exactly did it do?

I found this years ago loose with box. These devices work by centripetal force. Allowing the needle to sit at the red mark of 80 rpm's. Yet the US version has the red mark at 76 rpm....I wonder why... .

Any thoughts on this..??.

Because, see instructions, "correct speed is generally developed at 76 revolutions per minute."

Starkton wrote:Because, see instructions, "correct speed is generally developed at 76 revolutions per minute."

Thank you Stephan. I have the same paper stating 76 rpm. Yet, the Canadian model shows "80" as the red line or correct speed. It must be an error on the decorators part.... .

80 seems far too fast.

Some may say we do things faster in Canada just to stay warm

Bruce wrote:Some may say we do things faster in Canada just to stay warm

Very funny Bruce.... . You should be acclimatized by now living on the West Coast.... . We run at a much slower speed out here... .