The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Selling an early Victor Exhibition with spring loaded lever needle chuck. Had never been taken apart before I rebuilt it. I replaced the flange, gasket, and mica, and adjusted it for optimal sound. Nickel plating is worn from use but not corroded and this soundbox is in good condition overall. Feel free to estimate your shipping cost from 48220, weight is 9.5oz and size is 5x5x5. It is packed and ready to ship. PayPal f&f preferred.

Now $120

I'll take it. SOLD

I believe the spring lever was an option, not necessarily indicative of earlier production than reproducers with set screw needlebars. I’ve seen a catalog from the era that discussed the upgrade option but cannot find a link at the moment.

long_island_phono wrote:I believe the spring lever was an option, not necessarily indicative of earlier production than reproducers with set screw needlebars. I’ve seen a catalog from the era that discussed the upgrade option but cannot find a link at the moment.

I guess I meant early as far as the entirety of the exhibition timeline, as it does still have a round hole and low-ish serial.

I think you're right about it being an option but the serial number of #38525 makes me think it's very early. The oldest Exhibition soundbox I can reach is the one on my Victor III, machine serialed #11225 and soundbox numbered #119201. Said Reproducer has a round-hole needle chuck, thumbscrew, and the more rounded, softer lettering as opposed to the angular and thin font used in the 1910s.

I wonder why this style went out of fashion? I have a spring-loaded needle release on my Columbia BN Graphophone, equipped with Analyzing reproducer, and the only fault I find with the design is the fact that it cannot take fiber needles and rattles on the extra-soft steel needles as the jaws do not clamp down that tightly. Other than that, it is perfectly simple to use and elegant in operation. With conventional soft tone needles it holds as well as a Victor product (though for some reason it sounds less tinny with 80rpm Columbia records.)

VanEpsFan1914 wrote:I think you're right about it being an option but the serial number of #38525 makes me think it's very early. The oldest Exhibition soundbox I can reach is the one on my Victor III, machine serialed #11225 and soundbox numbered #119201. Said Reproducer has a round-hole needle chuck, thumbscrew, and the more rounded, softer lettering as opposed to the angular and thin font used in the 1910s.

I wonder why this style went out of fashion? I have a spring-loaded needle release on my Columbia BN Graphophone, equipped with Analyzing reproducer, and the only fault I find with the design is the fact that it cannot take fiber needles and rattles on the extra-soft steel needles as the jaws do not clamp down that tightly. Other than that, it is perfectly simple to use and elegant in operation. With conventional soft tone needles it holds as well as a Victor product (though for some reason it sounds less tinny with 80rpm Columbia records.)

You answered your own question

Patent infringement with Columbia’s design.