The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

This is something all you guys around the Great Lakes and Detroit River need. These were very popular up that way in the 20's, 30's and 40's. It is made from a Victor portable motor and motor board. As you feed out the steel fishing line it winds the spring so it will rewind the fishing line for you when you let it come back. You did not wind it with a crank.

What is really neat is that the inside of the lid is stamped with the name of the builder and who he made it for. Looks to me that the builder may have been related to Brad Abell!? Who knows. Anyway, it is interesting and definately phonograph related. With the steel wire, maybe it is the first "wire recorder".

Any questions, please ask. Buyer pays shipping.

Ken Danckaert

Several years ago, I got one of these real cheap with a Victor III motor. When people lost interest in thier wind up phonographs, the motors were used for trolling.
Harvey Kravitz

My long lost, formerly rich uncle, Ebenezer Abell !!!

Ken-- Knowing where you live, and assuming it is a local find, it may well be a long lost relative--- My grandfather's parents were from the Baltimore area and there are lots of Abell's in Southern Maryland near the Bay-- And... there's the town of Abell, MD down off Route 5 somewhere.

I have to admit I'm tempted--but I sure do have lots of junque already I'll give you a call.


Brad Abell

Brad, That could be a piece of family history. If it turns out to be, you should get it.
Harvey Kravitz