The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Back again. I'm wondering what the hardware looked like for the front grill. It orginally had hinges on the bottom and we have replaced those. Has a small ball latch to hold it in place on the top. It also had some kind of slide hinge? on the sides that I'm assuming limited how far it would open. I have a brass track inset into the cabinet but nothing on the grill itself. What did that look like? Thanks, Jan.

Hi Jan,

I took a look at my cabinet. The front grill has a piano hinge across the bottom and a ball latch at the top, however, there is no other hardware, or evidence of there ever being any, on the remainder of the grill and cabinet.

I am not sure what the purpose of being able to open the front grill was (as opossed to being able to remove it). Perhaps a marketing ploy.

We have shown that AV machines have differences (as did most manufactures) so there is no easy telling.

I've had several machines in the past that employed various support brackets for hinged grilles.
I've also had at least 2 aussie off-brand machines that used sash chain which appeared to be original, but I've never come across identical models/brands to compare with them & judge if these were definately factory or owner installed.
The AV I owned about 20 yrs also had a nickel plated support bracket inside the grille, but it was so long ago I cant remember if it was a ¼ circle, straight or sissor action bracket. It definately had one though, because I remember I used to place the next record to be player on the open grille
The only machine I have now with this type of bracket is my Newington, however this machine has a stationary grille & they are used on the 2 doors that cover the grille & record compartment.
I'm leaning towards my AV having the curved arm version of the bracket pictured below, but I really cant be 100% sure. It was also a British made AV, so the American made machines may well be slightly different.

Here's one of those projects I never seem to get to. But it should answer your questions.
It's been sitting in a spare room for a while so please pardon the dust. The rest of the house is immaculate!! Ja for sure you betcha!

Steve

Thanks for the pictures but this is what I have and why I'm confused. I don't understand what was on the grill itself that what work with a set in channel.

That is interesting. I will make a stab at a thought which is probably wrong. Could it be they had the idea of a floating horn that would vibrate sound without the cabinet slowing its transmission?

Larry

phonogal wrote:Thanks for the pictures but this is what I have and why I'm confused. I don't understand what was on the grill itself that what work with a set in channel.

Ah, I remember now
It looked similar to mine but in reverse, having the straight arm with a protruding pin that moved along the slot in the cabinet, as the grille was opened & shut.
I suppose if a replacement cant be found, you could modify a lid stay?

gramophoneshane wrote:Ah, I remember now
It looked similar to mine but in reverse, having the straight arm with a protruding pin that moved along the slot in the cabinet, as the grille was opened & shut.
I suppose if a replacement cant be found, you could modify a lid stay?

Hi Shane:

Based on what the patent drawing shows, that's exactly what it is....
FROM: http://www.google.com/patents?id=AptfAA ... &q&f=false

Another mystery solved! Great detective work.

Steve

Thanks! You guys are great!