The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Is there a summary of improvements or changes ]that were made in the Trade Mark Berliner and when they were made? Also, is there a serial number on the machine or just the reproducer? I have had my machine for many years and would like to determine just when it was made. It has a 2 spring governor , a black funnel horn and a J reproducer with a serial number of 5873. Thanks for the inputs.

I believe a production change in the brake is your best indicator of "approximate" year of manufacture. I have not ever seen a definitive spreadsheet of what you are asking but - ill offer this, and I am sure others on the board can elaborate. "Swing" Brake - 1898, Black funnel horn. "Lever" brake - 1899, black funnel horn. "Bullet" brake - 1900, Black w zinc bell transitioning to brass bell a bit later as Eldridge Johnson took over.

This is a "low resolution" suggestion of date fields, I could imaginge that the Trademark showed up as the Ratchet wind was being phased out. Which would put the initial "swing" brake deliveries in the late 1897 time frame.Again I trust some other can add more specifics. BR John

There should be a serial # on top of the round spring housing near the back. This would be a better indicator of when the machine was made. If the housing has a lot of corrosion this can be difficult to see, but it should definitely be there. Since you have obviously looked at the motor there may be some other hints there. The 2 weight governor is an indicator of a very early machine (1897-8). I have one with 2 weights and the serial # is 1246. There should also be a small curved metal strap screwed to the inside of the case to prevent spring mishaps.

Thanks Ripduf1 and penman for your help. It has a swing brake and the spring retaining bracket. The serial number is 3962. Based on your inputs, it was likely made in late 1897 or 1898. I got this machine about 45 years ago and have always wondered its approximate birthdate. It still has its original finish, turntable felt and rubber (but now hard) on the horn cradle. It also had its original leather elbow when I got it but it was also stiff with age sort of like us as we get older.
Thanks again and Happy Collecting.