Oh boy that sounds like a score!!!! The United States Phonograph Company was the branch of North American run by George Tewksbury, who wrote the book 'The Phonograph and How to Use It'. In 1896 Edison started making the phonograh called the 'Spring Motor' phonograph, and selling them through the United States Phonograph Comapny. I believe at that time he was enjoined from selling phongraphs directly, is that correct anyone? Anyway, this phonograph had the top works of the Class M, and the motor which was everntually used in the Triumph phonograph line. It had three springs and was called the Triton motor. According to Frow's book, the first machines were made in 1895 and appeared in 1896. in 1897 Edison, as the National Phonograph Company, bought the U.S. Phonograph Company's output. On the early models, the United States Phonograph Company's name appears on a nickel plate. Later, the National Phonograph Company's name appears on the plate and sometimes 'Spring Motor Phonograph'. So what you have there may be the early Spring Motor phonograph, precursor to the Triumph. Sounds to me like that may be a really great find!!! I don't know value, but it is a very hard machine to find if this is it...are there any other phono bidders in your area? John Robles
--- On Fri, 8/21/09, [email protected] <[email protected]> wrote: From: [email protected] <[email protected]> Subject: [Phono-L] Strange cylinder machine at local auction. To: [email protected] Date: Friday, August 21, 2009, 8:01 PM At local auction this Sunday is what appears to be a early dictation machine. It has removable domed lid like an Edison with a small drawer which contains a crank and maybe a shaver attachment. The puzzle is the tags on it and what they mean. One says "THE UNITED STATES PHONOGRAPH CO, NEWARK N.J." AND THE OTHER SAYS "This Machine is sold by THE NORTH AMERICAN PHONOGRAPH COMPANY under the restriction that it shall not be used within the State of NEW JERSEY. pics of tags here- There are no cylinders with it and the cabinet is in poor shape. Stylus is missing as well as the cup for the speaking tube. The auctioneer said he thinks is is very old and maybe what year? Also I would like to know if it has much value to guide my bid. Any info on this company or age appreciated. Don _______________________________________________ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org _______________________________________________ Phono-L mailing list http://phono-l.oldcrank.org
