The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I recently picked up a nice 1916 Fumed Oak VV-XIV with an attachment secured to the motorboard on the right side of the record platter. One end of it goes over the spindle, but the platter stops spinning when attached to the spindle. Is this some sort of record repeater? My guess is that the reproducer sits on top of a horizonral lever and the lever starts to lift the reproducer as it comes to the end of the song, and eventually the reproducer slides down the lever to replay the record. Can someone confirm how it works and whether any parts are missing? I'm trying to get it working and would appreciate any information with regard to this accessory.

Thanks!

AR

It's a repeat attachment. They work quite well.

The part that goes over the spindle is supposed to turn, rather than bind and stop the spindle. Also, there's supposed to be a roller attachment on the reproducer, to facilitate the "slide" back to the record start. I have a functional one. I'll take some pictures later today.

That's a super cool accessory. If complete I bet it's worth a good amount.

Jerry B.

I would love to see this in operation. I wonder if there would be any record damage from the needle sliding outward when it hits the record.

JerryVan,

Photos of this complete accessory would be great!

Thanks!

AR

This is a fascinating device. A quick search for patents turned up this one that has very similar components and the time frame fits the age of your machine.

Patent number 1,214,352, a repeater attachment for phonographs, G. L. Minns, application filed August 1916.

You can view the patent pages and text describing the device through uspto.gov and search by patent number.

We would love to see it in action too.

Okay, here's pictures!

The sliding end stop, on the left, with its "pinky finger" up, is the trigger that sets the repeat sequence into action. It causes the ramp to be engaged with the rotating threaded piece, that lifts the ramp, which picks up the reproducer and causes it to roll back to the record start. The adjustable stop on the right, is set to the beginning of the recording. Yes, a YouTube video would be great! But, I don't do those... Sorry.

Let's try to get a video posted. Even if it works, the lighting is terrible, but it's worth a try!