The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi All
I am currently restoring my Christmas present to myself bought off ebay, which came in bits inside the case. I have reassembled the parts and managed to get it working. I just need to replace a damaged veneer on the end of the lid and shellac the case. My question is does the BK come with a solid end to the mandrel or did they always have 3 holes in the end and is the stylus bar an Edison or Columbia
Any comments will be appreciated.
Brian

Early ones have 3 holes the later have 4 holes. But I wouldn't say yours is wrong.

The very first version with a nickeled bedplate & separate chassis I can't confirm, it's the only one I don't have.

Your stylus looks like a Columbia.


Chuck

Hi Brian,
My BK has the three holes in the mandrel - does yours look the same apart from the mandrel ?
Cheers
Andrew

I have a BK which has no holes at the end of the mandrel.

Victrolacollector wrote:I have a BK which has no holes at the end of the mandrel.

Mine, too.

Hi Guys
Thanks for all your comments. My interest was started when I compared this machine with my other BK phonograph, which I thought had an original mandrel. It is good news that either are originals. It maybe interesting to compare numbers, which I assume are on the underside of the bedplate.
Regards Brian

Even though mine has no holes on the end, I really like the holes on the end for some reason.