The use of record hold-downs in early Victor machines

[MikeB]

I've noticed that screw-on record hold-downs appear to have been used on only my earliest Victor machines. My Victor E, SN# 18128, has a threaded spindle with screw-on hold-down, while Victor E, SN# 55617, has a standard spindle, and presumably no hold-down was ever used. (The spindles on the two machines are pictured.) Were hold-downs discontinued after a certain date?

Thanks - Mike

[PeterF]

I have two Vic R’s, and the earlier one has the threaded spindle for the hold down, and the later one doesn’t. And lest you think you can switch out the spindle shaft to add the cool hold-down, you can’t. The motors are different and the shaft doesn’t interchange.

[Lucius1958]

My E (SN 38021) has the threaded spindle. Unfortunately, my repro hold down doesn't seem to work with it...

- Bill

[phonospud]

Some of these hold down threads are goofy thread pitches. For example, Montross Berliners have shown up in my shop with ¼-18 threads. Not a common thread at all. I guess the idea was to get the thing spun on as fast as possible. This may explain why some repro hold downs don’t work right.

[Django]

My E (SN 38021) has the threaded spindle. Unfortunately, my repro hold down doesn't seem to work with it...

- Bill

Just speculating, your reproduction hold down may be for a Columbia, the hold down could have a damaged thread or your E’s spindle might have a damaged thread. It seems unlikely that your Victor would have an oddball thread.