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Last week, I purchased an Edison Triumph D2 from an estate sale for $475. It has the lid with original shipping blocks. The mandrel bearing was swollen and busted through. When I removed the (incorrectly sized) belt, the motor ran nicely. It also came with a rather nice No. 11 cygnet horn (some rust but in pretty good shape otherwise), both C and H reproducers (C needs a bit of work), a box of cylinders, and two miscellaneous Diamond Disc parts (a reproducer and a crank). I’m pretty sure this was a good deal, but would be interested in hearing others’ thoughts.

I spent the past week reading up on this machine and reviewing previous posts in this forum. Yesterday, I began the process of restoring this machine. I have a few questions I’m hoping someone can help with:

Machine Questions

1. The Serial Number is 81832, with a last patent date of May 22, 1906. Any idea of the date of the machine?

2. Does anyone have a copy of the original manual for this machine or know where I can get one?

3. I managed to extract the swollen mandrel bearing and need to find a replacement. I’ve read APSCO has the best replacements but those posts are a bit old and want to see if that’s still the best source.

4. As I was removing the lead screw, a tiny rivet (?) and clip came off from somewhere on the left side near the pulley. The small pin also came off inside the pulley. Is there some sort of diagram or tutorial that shows how to put this all back together correctly? (I can send pictures if needed, but figured someone probably knows what I mean and just might be able to point me in the right direction.)

5. What’s the best source for a replacement belt that’s the correct width?

Cygnet Horn Questions

1. The crane for the horn is missing. There is a bracket on the machine, however. What’s the best source for a quality crane that’s correct for the model? (I’ve read Ron Sitko in older threads but haven’t seen anything more recent.)

2. The part of the horn where the crane attaches appears complete (see picture). I assume there’s a small ball or something similar that inserts in there? If so, does that come with the crane or do I need to order it separately (and what is it called)?

3. Is Goop still what people would recommend to polish up the horn a bit or is there a better option?

Reproducer Questions

1. The C reproducer has a snapped off limit loop. I’m not sure I can heat and pull the broken ends out myself or drill them out myself. What’s the place to have this done? (I think Wyatt’s does this for $15?)

2. What’s the best source for a new diaphragm link? (It’s missing on the C.)

3. What’s the best source for new gaskets? (I can do these myself.)

I think that’s all the questions I have (for now). Any help would be much appreciated.

I'll try to answer some of your questions. I own a Triumph Model E, which is similar to the D2, but with a large horizontal carriage for O and Diamond B reproducers.

Machine Questions

1. Date of the machine? The D2 was introduced in late 1909 according to George Paul's article in the December 2019 Antique Phonograph. The model E showed up about a year later. George may be able to give you a slightly more precise date based on serial #.

2. Manual? I know member "Shawn" has offered an earlier Triumph manual (1901). I don't know about later ones.

3. Mandrel bearing? I bought mine from Ron Sitko.

4. Sorry, maybe someone else can help.

5. Replacement belt? Wyatt Marcus's belt gets excellent reviews.

Cygnet Horn Questions

1. Crane? Ron Sitko sells repros at a reasonable price.

2. Where crane attaches? It's a ball swivel (unsure of exact name). It's part of the horn, but appears to have been torn off yours. The spring on the crane attaches to the swivel. Look at ebay item 193418006995. It has a closeup photo of the part.

3. Polish up the horn? I think people tend to overuse Goop and Gojo. If you use it, go gently and try in an inconspicuous spot first. The 110 year old black finish is thin and decal is fragile.

Reproducer Questions

1. The C reproducer? A good repair place should be able to do this. I don't know who, however.

2. New diaphragm link? Ron Sitko may have them, but I'm not sure.

3. New gaskets? I've bought mine from Ron Sitko, but other people may have opinions also.

I hope this helps.

Thanks for the insight, AZ. It was helpful.

I will offer an update to my own post in case it will help others. I just got off the phone with Ron Sitko. He was able to help with the bearing, crane, swivel, link, and gaskets. They should be headed my way in tomorrow's mail. I have an email in to Wyatt about the belt.

I would appreciate insight from anyone else regarding how to reassemble the lead screw etc. back together once the new bearing arrives. I'd also appreciate suggestions on cleaning/polishing the horn and any leads on a manual or production date of the machine.

This is my first cylinder machine and I'm looking forward to getting it up and running!