The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Has anyone seen one of these phonograph motors before? I’m missing the intermediate gear, any thoughts on how I could find a replacement? The intermediate gear is present in the picture but has since been lost…
I think these were manufactured around 1918.

Which intermediate gear is missing? The winding intermediate, with the bevel gear, or the driving one, that powers the spindle shaft?

Good question- it’s the one powering the spindle shaft - the driving intermediate- it looks very similar to some other models but I doubt they’re interchangeable (granted, my knowledge in this department is minimal).

You're right, it does look similar to gears in other motors, but then a lot of motors used similar designs, most likely with slight differences, however. I've got to say, I've been in this for a long time and have never heard of that make of motor. Unless it's a rebadged version of a more common motor, you may have a hard time sourcing that gear shaft. A new gear shaft could be made, but the phonograph in question would have to be worth it.

For an off-brand motor like this, I'd recommend contacting George Vollema: http://www.victroladoctor.com/

George P.

It’s funny you should mention George Vollema, it sure sounds like he’s the man to consult- I emailed him this am and he got right back with me - per GV:
“I can not recall ever having seen a motor brand like yours and while some features of other manufactures motors look similar I do not know if any parts would actually be interchangeable with yours”
I’ll ship it to him in the spring to see what can be done.

That's exactly what I'd do too. Best of luck!

George P.