Berliner Lever Wind Phonograph
Berliner Lever or Ratchet Wind of 1897. This is the early version, serial # 981, that did not have a separate turntable brake. This model was introduced in March/April of 1897 and was only in production for about 5 months. The horn shown is from a later model Berliner, the correct horn is what is called a "funnel or oil can" horn. |
Close up of the lever or ratchet winder. There are holes in two corners of the base, I can only assume that sometime in the past this was to anchor the machine on a table to make it easier to wind-up. The condition of the cabinet and nickel plating shows that this was used very little, the spring was broken when I found this, maybe it broke and the owners just put it away in a box. |
The combination speed and brake control. The vertical cut slot was to allow the case to be removed to gain access to the motor assembly. |
The ratchet wind mechanism. |
Close up of the governor and speed/brake control, it reminds you of the style used on antique steam engines with the fly out weights. |