The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I was given this Silvertone phonograph and decided to restore it. I have several questions:

1. What model is it?
2. What is the knob for behind the crank?
3. How can I straighten the crank enough to keep it from hitting the upper trim? I'm afraid it might break.
4. The original instructions with the machine indicate that by turning the reproducer, it can play both vertical and lateral recordings. (I am familiar with Pathé machines that have a steel needle on one side and a jewel stylus on the other.) Won't needles ruin vertical recordings?

Thanks, Roy

The knob behind the crank is a volume control. It should pull out which blocks the passage between the tone arm and horn. I'd try to straighten the crank. You've got nothing to lose. You should advertise on the Trader for a replacement crank. I might have a crank that would work. (I would need to know if it's a male or female thread. What nut or bolt fits the thread? How far from the threaded end to the first turn? The correct stylus will not damage a vertical cut record.

Jerry Blais

Roy, you are correct that Pathé vertical records require a sapphire ball stylus. You pictures are too low in resolution to tell for sure, but I assume the reproducer has two needle holders. One for steel needles for lateral records, and one for a needle with a sapphire ball on the end for Pathé records. Such sapphire needles are available from parts dealers.

As for the crank, I assume you know to unscrew it from the machine before attempting to straighten it? But as Jerry said, it should be possible to buy a replacement crank.

Jim Nichol

Congratulations. That half round shaped plate right of the tonearm was used to store a small elbow in the large hole and two special styli in the small holes. One diamond stylus for Edison and a sapphire ball stylus for Pathé. The elbow was used to bring the reproducer to the correct angle for vertical cut records.

Andreas

Thanks all for the info. Very helpful. The problem with the crank is that it is bent in such a way as to not clear the upper wood trim. Cannot remove it to straiten it. Also, anyone know the model? Thanks again, Roy

Hello Mr Roy,

You may have to find a new crank that matches the length & drop of this one, and then saw the old one off with a hacksaw taking care not to mar the cabinet. Then grind flats on it and backwind it out of there with a wrench. That's what I would do considering that cranks may be easier to find than repairing cabinet damages. (But by all means find a spare one first!)

PM Sent