The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Does this beautiful thing need an adjustment, or a spring?
I haven't figured it out yet. The break works if I tip it but, The arm will not tip the break on it's own.
Beck

I don't have a Victor portable like this anymore, so my advice is from memory:
When playing, the knife blade will begin to ride along the toothed plate, clicking as it travels. The eccentric run-off groove of a post-1923 Victor (and many other brands) record causes the blade to catch and push the plate to the left, tripping the brake.
This brake won't work automatically if the run-off groove is not eccentric (back-and-forth) in its pattern.
There should be a small spring on the knife blade piece, holding the blade against the teeth of the plate as it makes contact. You'll see and hear a small "click" as the tone-arm travels towards center. Hope this helps!
Bob

That really does help. I think I see where a spring goes. Thanks for getting to me so quick.
Gave $35, took it apart greased and put it back together.
Had to drill the spring box apart to get it right, then rebuilt the orthotics. it's a really great machine.

Missing the stylus holder, was yours leather ? I find very few pictures of it.

Thanks again

These are nice portables and the sound is very good! The spring you need is small and just strong enough to make the brake function properly. Too strong a spring will impede tone-arm travel.
The reproducer rest you mention was made of rubber, and most I've seen have gone rock-hard or are missing altogether. You shouldn't have any trouble resting the reproducer chuck in the metal well, as long as you remove the needle first. Enjoy the music!
Bob