Automatic Reproducer Question

[FDL1990]

The recent thread on restoring an early Edison Standard made me take a look at mine here in the UK. It is S184, so quite a low number but it also carries a plate stating it is licensed by the Edison-Bell Consolidated Phonograph Co Ltd for use within the UK No 5151. At some time it suffered a crack in the upright for the back rod which was repaired with a neat polished strap, riveted over the upright.

The odd thing is the reproducer serial No 87917, which appears to be an Automatic. Comparing it with one on a later machine (S10431) and a number of photographs on the internet, it seems to have been modified. The weight is thinner, has two slots with two retaining screws and two unused tapped holes. The central hole for the usual single screw is present in the body casting. The reproducer from S10431 has no markings and the body is shallower, but it appears to be old. I would be interested in any thoughts on these reproducers.

[phonogfp]

Reproducer No.87917 was modified by the Talking Machine Company in 1899-1901 as part of a Polyphone Attachment (which used two reproducer). At some point, the Polyphone bits were removed.

George P.