bing pygmyphone

[Guest]

hello

my first post here but long time lurker.please forgive me if im writing in the wrong
section!

i just got a toy bing pygmyphone phonograph,i want to clean and grease the motor
because i am sure it has neither done to it in 80 years!
any help or suggestions is apreciated


thanks
joe

[alang]

Congratulations and welcome to the board. You probably already noticed that the motor in the Bing Pygmyphone has not been designed to be removed or disassembled without bending and possibly damaging the sheet metal case and other parts. Therefore I would recommend only a gentle cleaning and then adding some clear vaseline to the gears and spring, and sewing machine oil to axles and bearings. Then wind it up and let it run down a few times, best in an old cardboard box, because the excess oil will be flying around. Then wipe the case clean again and you should be good to go.
Before starting your cleaning job test your cleaning agent against maybe the bottom of the case, because the paint isn't very durable. I recommend against any solvents like Naphta or Mineral Spirits, they tend to dissolve/damage the paint.
BTW: don't expect to listen to it very often, it's a novelty at best. The sound quality is dismal, not comparable to musical toys nowadays or even of the fifties.
Good luck
Andreas