The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi, all --
I've recently completed the restoration of a Witatone phonograph, made in Chicago around 1916. (I've found little about the Witatone company; apparently one of many local cabinet makers that made phonographs using mass produced components.) It was an interesting project for a first-time restorer, including the rebuilding of its Heineman Motor No. 3.
Here's my question for you all: As per usual, I suppose, there were a lot of old needles with (and inside) the machine. Among all of the steel ones were a few alternatives which I've included a photo of.
The worn down Tungs-tone I can identify. Does anyone know what models the others are? I figure the two are sapphire ball; might the one with the conical crystal be diamond?
Thanks much,
Drew

The two examples in the middle look to me very much like the Pathé (vertical-cut, centre-start) type.

Oliver Mundy.

The two center for Pathé and the right is for Edison

The phonograph does have a reproducer that can be rotated for playing vertical cuts. So, that makes sense.
The Edison is diamond, then? (I do have some Edison diamond disks. I should look at the needle under a microscope to see what it's actual state looks like -- after I clean it up a bit!)
Thanks

drewtinkers wrote: Tue May 25, 2021 4:47 pm The phonograph does have a reproducer that can be rotated for playing vertical cuts. So, that makes sense.
The Edison is diamond, then? (I do have some Edison diamond disks. I should look at the needle under a microscope to see what it's actual state looks like -- after I clean it up a bit!)
Thanks

Test it on a junker first in the blank area near the label. I have yet to find one of these that didn't leave marks on the record.