The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Below a a few pictures of a German Phonograph produced around 1903 by the upcoming Lindström company. Later on Lindström became one big fabricator od disc machines. He started as an Engineer in one of the small phonograph maker companies in Berlin and started early to become big player of the phongraph industry.

They made a few cheap phonos. This one is more one of the high end machines. It has a 4 spring clockwork motor. The crank is coming from the rear side. Instead of a gearing between belt mandrel drive and feedscrew there is a small chain. So you do not have a slip in force and the 4 springs have more enough power to allow a smooth playing for a small machine. The break is quite strong and the 4 ball heavy governor assembly assures a stabile speed whilst running.

The measurements are length 29 cm (11,5 inch)and depth about 21 cm (8,2 inch). This particular piece has been sold in the UK.

I believe it would be impossible to make a more simple motor!

By the way... I'm still seeing a drive belt

JerryVan wrote: Mon Aug 25, 2025 6:19 pm I believe it would be impossible to make a more simple motor!

By the way... I'm still seeing a drive belt

4th & 5th photos: there's a small chain visible, apparently driving the feed screw.

- Bill

I see my previous description was wrong. Thank you for the hint. I just updated the text and add photos to show the chain part better.

In addition to those a few photos showing a cheaper Lindström variation. Case and upper works are same size but as you see underneath a simpler construction.