Decca Junior Gramophone - to remove platter and date the gramophone

[phyi9530]

Hi all, I was trying to inspect the motor and spring of a Decca Junior (Type A?) Gramophone which currently can be played but has loud noisy sounds when playing. I read from this forum that it seems to be the problem with Decca gramophone that motor may be noisy while running, but I would like to try to lubricate every part and see if improves. There are no screws at the bottom plate of the motor and so it seems that the motor can only be dismantled from the top, hence removing the platter is necessary. However, I tried but couldnt remove the platter, it is stuck. I saw from the photos provided by the seller, the platter can actually come out. Have tried to spray some WD-40 and put also some sewing machine oil. But the platter just won't come out. I then took the motor board out, but I could not find any screw or other thing that is holding the platter. Have also tried to hammer gently using a rubber mallet but of no avail. May I know if anyone has any idea on how to go about it? Thank you.

On a side note, I also understand that there should be a tag/label below the platter which provides the date of manufacture, which currently cannot be accessed. But I saw from photo provided by the seller (as enclosed) that the date is quite blur and it seems to say "12231". Does it make sense if this model is released into the early 1930s? If you have any information about the years of manufacture of this type of gramophone, would be grateful if you could share the information.

[epigramophone]

The turntable should be a simple interference fit on the spindle. Get an assistant to grasp the turntable on both sides and lift the machine slightly while you give the spindle a tap with a hammer. I have found that to work with the most stubborn turntable.

Your machine would have been obsolete by 1931, but with the turntable removed you will be able to read the ID label more closely.
I have a 1922 machine with the date shown as 4722, This was Decca's way of writing dates, in this case 4th July 1922.

[pumpkin]

My turntable was difficult to remove and solved by using two chunky screwdrivers 180 deg apart whilst protecting the case apply some pressure. Mine just popped off without too much help. I have found that the sound quality of both my Decca junior machines leaves much to be desired.

[Marco Gilardetti]

I have found that the sound quality of both my Decca junior machines leaves much to be desired.

I find it to be quite the opposite. Despite lacking bass almost completely, I'd rather describe its sound as clear and pleasant, and also surprisingly loud. It is usually enjoyed very much by my guests. Did you rehaul the soundboxes carefully?

[Lucius1958]

Hi all, I was trying to inspect the motor and spring of a Decca Junior (Type A?) Gramophone which currently can be played but has loud noisy sounds when playing. I read from this forum that it seems to be the problem with Decca gramophone that motor may be noisy while running, but I would like to try to lubricate every part and see if improves. There are no screws at the bottom plate of the motor and so it seems that the motor can only be dismantled from the top, hence removing the platter is necessary. However, I tried but couldnt remove the platter, it is stuck. I saw from the photos provided by the seller, the platter can actually come out. Have tried to spray some WD-40 and put also some sewing machine oil. But the platter just won't come out. I then took the motor board out, but I could not find any screw or other thing that is holding the platter. Have also tried to hammer gently using a rubber mallet but of no avail. May I know if anyone has any idea on how to go about it? Thank you.

On a side note, I also understand that there should be a tag/label below the platter which provides the date of manufacture, which currently cannot be accessed. But I saw from photo provided by the seller (as enclosed) that the date is quite blur and it seems to say "12231". Does it make sense if this model is released into the early 1930s? If you have any information about the years of manufacture of this type of gramophone, would be grateful if you could share the information.

Looking carefully at the photo, I would say it read '12221', with the last 2 partially obscured. Which, according to d/m/y, is 12/2/21 - Feb. 12, 1921.

-Bill

[Inigo]

The last figure seems 6 to me, not 1

[JerryVan]

The last figure seems 6 to me, not 1

Agreed.