Berliner Lever Wind- Rachet Wind Phonograph
Item: Berliner Lever Wind- Rachet Wind Phonograph
Price: $16,500.00
Date: Mar 06, 2012
Auction: Ebay
Seller: phonodoll
Feedback:100% (6484)
Description and Images By: phonodoll
We have a very rare phonograph. It is a Berliner Lever-wind from about 1897-98. The only parts that are reproduction are the ball on the end of the stop-start arm; it looks good. The record hold-down appears to be an old reproduction. The leather elbow is also an older reproduction. Everything else is original. The funnel horn has some dents and paint loss but it is overall pretty decent. The tonearm is very interesting—the pivot part that fits into the support arm is different from what you usually find on this machine. It looks like what would have come on the earlier ratchet wind metal cased Gramophone of 1896. The end where the reproducer fits has the cut out to fit the earlier strap reproducer(see pic). This arm definitely appears original, so my guess it is a transitional piece harking back to the earlier machine. The reproducer looks good, serial number J 3309 with a patent date on the back of Feb. 19, 1895. Turntable has original felt. Serial number on the motor is #1027, one of the earlier ones. The decal on the case is very good and the wood and finish are original and very good. The motor is fairly noisy as is expected on these machines, but the spring is good. Fibre gear is a bit rough, but I have heard much worse on machines with these gears. This machine has not been cleaned up—whatever tarnish is on there is left for the new owners to do as they see fit. Here is your chance to own one of the real rarities in the phonograph world; one that is in remarkably good condition considering its age. You would be hard pressed to find a better earlier machine.