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Here is my Eagle with its new nickel plated horn. That arrived today, I bought off of eBay.

UPDATE: March 17: This morning our almost 2 1/2 year-old grandson was adamant in his desire to revisit the phonograph collection. I had been putting him off since Christmastime, so up we went. True to form, he wanted to hear records on several machines, but now he's definitely more interested in the machines' workings than the music. In the past, he liked a Credenza, but after half a record, we went on to a Sonora William & Mary, then a Model D Gem, then a B-250, then a VV-XVI - - all abandoned after about half a record. A Rosenfield Illustrated Song machine caught his eye, and I knew he'd like that. Yes - we had to watch the gears, chains, and other machinery cycle through twice (no interest in the record of course). When he asked for a third rendition, I grabbed an Eagle Graphophone. Oh boy... Spinning governor weights and gears! After "Forest Whispers" had played for a minute, he pointed to the speed control knob and said, "I use it," which is his way of asking. I told him to go ahead, and he enjoyed watching the difference in the governor's motion. Then I showed him the brake, and he really went to town - all very gently and respectfully. He was interested in the lid latches, and once I told him about the lid he replied, "Want lid." Rather than digging out the lid for that particular Eagle, I grabbed another Eagle. Soon he was doing a circa-1900 DJ thing with the two Eagles. We spent about a half hour just watching those motors running and winding them up again and again. He didn't want to go downstairs for snack time, but I promised him we'd go back up when he visits next time.

Ok thanks. I just saw that on my other gramophone there's what looks like an identical brake: I'll take off the lever on that one first and bring it to Spain and see if it's the replacement lever or the leather that is the problem here, if they are the same I'll drill

I would absolutely kill for that Lusitania And Mauritania poster. I have never seen that specific one before.

Depends on how bad you want it. 🙂 Those are not rare keys. I checked to see if I had one that I could send to you, but alas, did not find one. They do turn up on eBay from time to time - usually just listed as a 'fancy' key.

Actually, it says best offer. Would $35 be fair?

For Sale is an Edison Amberola 75 in great condition. The oak finish is all original. The cabinet is clean with three drawers for record storage. The machine has been thoroughly cleaned, lubricated and adjusted. The reproducer is in excellent condition and plays clear. The bedplate and upper works have been cleaned and polished. This is a great phonograph combined with record storage. If sold, this machine can be delivered at no cost to the April 27 Wayne Show in New Jersey or to the June 27-29 APS Show in Schaumburg. Inquiries are welcome. Personal check or PayPal O.K. PM or e-mail with questions or interest. Rob

Thanks, I will keep my eyes open for a better prices key.

It is definitely an Aeolian-Vocalion key. They are usually found in nickel plate and less commonly in gold plate. The price the seller wants for this one is a bit steep. They can be found for a lot less.

I had an Aeolian-Vocalion back in the 1960s that used a triangular-shaped key end like that. George P.

I can see why it's believed to be a sewing machine key. The triangular end is very typical for sewing machine cabinet keys. Past that observation, I have no idea if it works for an A-V phonograph, or piano. I wouldn't even bet money on that logo being for an A-V.

Possibly also used in pianos as well.

It looks like an Aeolian-Vocalion phonograph key to me! George P.

I was searching eBay for a key for my 1916-7 Aeolian Vocalion and came upon an Aeolian Sewing Machine Key. See this link for the ad. aeolian key I was not able to find any info about Aeolian sewing machines. Could this be an error by the seller? Were all Aeolian keys the same? Just want to check before purchasing.

IMG_2062.mp4 I'm not sure what I did to make it blown up this large...

Use a small drill to remove the old leather. I don't know off hand what size drill. Start small and work your way up until all of the old leather has been removed. However, if you can pull it out with a plier then that's okay too. Chances are however, that some will remain in the hole. Before removing the old leather, measure how far it sticks out and how far it will need to stick out in order to do its job. I've been guilty of inserting new leather that ended up being too short... just like the old one.

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Yes, thanks, can you guide me on how to replace the leather? Is it by pulling the old leather out with players? As for the lever, the "original" lever did not work at all it only cut your thumb. The real lever must have broken and this was someones attempt to fix it, see photo, it never belonged to a gramophone. I don't want to replace the brake, just make it work. New leather is probably the best solution! Another question is the turntable felt. The Spanish original was gone, they make good replicas of the ones with the logo on but they look so new to my taste. I suspect they came in different colours, I've seen original green and blue. Just plain red felt could look nice with this horn maybe?

A new piece of leather cut to the right size will fix your brake - replace the lever with the original part and leave it original, as found. If you really want a replacement brake, look for a Victor or HMV bullet brake from a horn machine - not too hard to locate... As far as the horn is concerned, leave it alone - do not apply varnish or anything else over the original paint. Cleaning the horn with hand cleaner or other cleaners may remove the paint, black pinstriping or the decal. Clean the wood cabinet, but not the painted parts. Basically, there is nothing to "restore" - this machine is in great condition - don't chance ruining it by trying to make it look "perfect", it's 120 years old...

Marie Narelle, an Australian soprano, has an interesting background which may be viewed here: https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/narelle-marie-molly-13126. Her parents were both Irish. This is the Blue Amberol four minute version of the song from 1913. This record must have been a big seller judging from the take and mould numbers on the rim of the cylinder. Marie Narelle - The Wearing Of The Green.wav

Here's a record I bought for ten cents in 1965. "If They'd Only Move Old Ireland Over Here" was originally sung by Blanche Ring in the musical production "When Claudia Smiles". The sheet music may be seen here: https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2337&context=cht-sheet-music This recording on Victor 17576 is from February 1914. Ada Jones - If They'd Only Move Old Ireland Over Here.wav