The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Several years ago there was a thread on the forum about whether a "self winding Gramophone" could ever exist. I am pleased to report that it did ! at least according to this 1930 advert from Auto Electric Devices of Brighton..... It seems an electric motor wound the spring of the gramophone which then powered it whilst playing - totally pointless. Wallace and Gromit would have been proud of this one !

In America, the Jones "Motrola" was an electric device for winding phonograph/gramophone springs at the touch of a button. Sounds like a similar concept.

These days they'd probably get sued for false advertising for calling it "self winding" instead of an electrically wound clockwork motor.

I am calling Jacobe and Myers tonight. I might be a millionaire. With interest big bucks. I will probably be paid in Monopoly money. Tom