The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

MikeB wrote: Sat Dec 11, 2021 10:17 am I've picked up an early Victor E front mount machine, SN#18128. It has this unusual plunger style brake, which I've never seen before. Did this type of brake pre-date the bullet brake, or were they used concurrently?

Thanks - Mike

gramophone78 wrote: Sat Dec 11, 2021 10:55 am
Yes this type of brake was introduced by Victor in order for an owner to play the newly available 8 & 10 inch records and still be able to utilize a brake. Previous brake designs hindered the use of the now larger, more popular discs and had to be removed in order for the owner to use the machine (sans brake). The later bullet brake was then introduced and used for many years forward.

phonogfp wrote: Sat Dec 11, 2021 11:53 am

gramophone78 wrote: Sat Dec 11, 2021 10:55 am
Yes this type of brake was introduced by Victor in order for an owner to play the newly available 8 & 10 inch records and still be able to utilize a brake. Previous brake designs hindered the use of the now larger, more popular discs and had to be removed in order for the owner to use the machine (sans brake). The later bullet brake was then introduced and used for many years forward.

Just to clarify, this transitional brake was meant to accommodate the 10 inch records. The 8 inch records didn't appear until May 1906; long after this transitional brake had disappeared. I doubt if this transitional brake was still around for the 14 inch and 12 inch discs.

George P.