The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

This first part contains the as-received photos. I was fortunate enough to receive information here on the forum regarding what the machine was supposed to look like. Zwebie very kindly provided the sound box clamp and crank and John Duffy of Horn House did a wonderful job of reworking the very badly damaged bell on the horn. I couldn't believe that this was the horn that I had sent to him. I highly recommend John's work. I was also fortunate enough to purchase an original Berliner Automatic Sound Box from another member of the forum, (unfortunately, I do not have his contact information anymore).

Here is the more or less finished machine. She does not look new, but that was never my intent. I ended up making the spring barrel and traveling arm with hardware along with a few small motor parts. I polished the support arm and had most parts freshly plated. The turntable is only polished. The sound box is rebuilt and polished. The machine is not completely original but I did what I could.

The traveling arm was made from a piece of a late 19th or early 20th century sheet music cabinet, the hardware is low carbon steel. The spring barrel is gray iron. I will probably make a new fiber gear at some time, but not today.

The cabinet was not stripped, just cleaned, smoothed and top coated with some amber shellac.

Thanks to all of those that took an interest in this restoration.

I almost forgot that I had a second horn for this machine. Here are the before and after, (he one on the left). I rubbed away some of the gold after I was done to give is a little age. I may re-stripe it.

Talk about "up from the ashes"! That is one fine looking talking machine. You did a great job and saved an otherwise basket case of parts. There are some fine fellows here that really pulled through for you on this project. Amazing gentlemen. Thanks for sharing before and after pics! Steve L.

That's very nice! It looks like a different machine, well done.

Best,
Fran

A side comment about the reproducer. I know that the machine is probably a 1903 and the reproducer says 1902 instead of 1903, (pre grant of the patent, same reproducer), and I was told that I should have the 1903, but I think that the 1902 may still be correct. The reproducers that say 1903 would not have been produced until sometime in 1903, (after the patent was granted). This being the lowest priced machine in their line, the remaining stock would probably have been used on this model, so it is a mystery which reproducer actually came on this machine, or at least that is how I see it. I would still like to hear what others think about that.

Superb work! Outstanding!

George P.

Do you need a horn elbow clamp? Canadian Berliners used them.

I do have one, but it would not go over this elbow. Please PM me if you are selling one.

Thanks

Brave of you to have taken on that unpromising looking pile of bits! But you have succeeded, and fashioned a fine looking machine.