The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I recently pulled the motor out of my Victrola 1-90 for cleaning and noticed that the word "EXPORT" is stamped in big bold white block lettering on the underside of the motorboard. I'm in the USA and bought the phonograph from a seller who said it had been in the same New England family since new. Do most 1-90s have this same lettering? If so, to where would this have been intended for export and how did it stay in the USA all its life? Any thoughts on this would be appreciated, thanks!

What's the white stuff slathered all over the motor??

That's old, dried-out white lithium grease that the previous owner slathered on in a misguided attempt to make the motor run more smoothly. Because putting fresh grease over old grease works just as well as doing a thorough cleaning and re-greasing instead, right?? Thanks for noticing lol

jmad7474 wrote: Mon Jul 08, 2024 1:53 pm That's old, dried-out white lithium grease that the previous owner slathered on in a misguided attempt to make the motor run more smoothly. Because putting fresh grease over old grease works just as well as doing a thorough cleaning and re-greasing instead, right?? Thanks for noticing lol

Wow. I guess they figured that greasing the speed control arm, and other non-moving parts, would help as well.