The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I thought I'd appeal to the board as parts as lowly as this aren't referenced in books!

I wondered if the lid support/stay for the early Amberola I-A differed at all from the ones used on the DD machines. I suspect mine is cobbled together, as it has a knurled screw and nut attaching the rod to the lid bracket, whereas the DDs use a rivet. I don't think the lid opens wide enough with the current stay, and it does not "auto-release" when the lid is raised when open; the rod must be pulled forward to allow the catch to release. Thanks to anyone who will go look at their Amberola or who might know this bit of trivia!

The stay to the bracket on my 1-A has a rivet, mine also doesn't auto-release and I don't think it was supposed to.

Bill

Bill's right. Riveted, and no auto-release. I've always thought these latches didn't support the lids quite wide enough. Sounds like you have the proper lid support.

George P.

I have had two A1s. Serial 287 and 2448. They both had rivets and the lid support had to be pulled forward to close the lid.

Thanks, everyone. Apparently at some point the rivet came loose and was "repaired" by using a knurled screw and nut, so I wasn't sure whether the stay arm was original or replaced as well. I'm surprised at the relatively shallow angle of the lid compared to a DD upright machine. Interesting to see that the simple lid stay was improved upon later with the auto-release and hinged bracket on the lid.

As an aside, it is interesting that the notch in the cabinet to ease cylinder placement/removal isn't too helpful; it's still a bit awkward to put a record on the mandrel. Apparently Victor and other disc manufacturers weren't the only ones who had growing pains regarding the depth of the mechanism in the cabinet!

Here's a photo just for reference.

George P.

Thank you kindly for the photo, George!

You're very welcome!