phonogfp Posted January 28, 2021 Share Posted January 28, 2021 "On This Day in Phonographic History..." January 28, 1891: Edward Amet filed for a U.S. patent for “Speed Regulator for Motors.” This was the first patent issued on a spring-driven phonograph motor which would be offered to the public. November 3, 1891: : Edward Amet was granted a U.S. patent (No.462,228) for “Speed Regulator for Motors.” #antiquephonographsociety #phonograph #gramophone #antique Amet(1)(1).mp4 Here is one of the earliest surviving Amet motors; this one with a single mainspring: 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin_P Posted January 28, 2021 Share Posted January 28, 2021 This is such a beautiful machine and piece of history. How often do these appear in the market? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phonogfp Posted January 29, 2021 Author Share Posted January 29, 2021 37 minutes ago, Martin_P said: How often do these appear in the market? About as often as Angelina Jolie has asked for my number. George P. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shawn Posted January 29, 2021 Share Posted January 29, 2021 So they're pretty common!? 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phonogfp Posted January 29, 2021 Author Share Posted January 29, 2021 ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neilvanstem Posted January 29, 2021 Share Posted January 29, 2021 Laughing as I do not know this Angelina Jolie though the name is familiar. Amet sounds much more familiar! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shawn Posted January 30, 2021 Share Posted January 30, 2021 (edited) And if the original centrifugal governor wasn't odd enough. How about this Amet governor - a combination of the early centrifugal design with governor balls!!!! I believe there are 3 of this design of motor known!!!! Shawn Edited January 30, 2021 by Shawn 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KinetoGuy Posted January 31, 2021 Share Posted January 31, 2021 A contemporary photo of an Amet phonograph Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tinfoilphono Posted January 31, 2021 Share Posted January 31, 2021 Incredible photo! What a find. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phonogfp Posted January 31, 2021 Author Share Posted January 31, 2021 That's a beautiful image, KinetoGuy! But the cabinet and lid look more like that which housed the early Macdonald motor (the one which powered the Type F, Type N, and Type AN Graphophones). The Macdonald motor and cabinet could be purchased for $25.00, allowing owners of Edison Class Ms to convert their machines to spring motor operation. The lid has the distinctive catches which are seen on the Macdonald/Graphophone cabinet lids, but not on Amet cabinets. What is the small oval just to the right of the cabinet's center? Those fellows were taking no chances of cylinder breakage! I've never seen so much cotton in a carrying case! Thanks for posting this wonderful image. George P. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shawn Posted January 31, 2021 Share Posted January 31, 2021 (edited) George is correct. It is the Macdonald Cabinet. The Crank is a key tell tail sign. As well, the "ears" (the parts that slip into the bottom cabinet to lock the lid in place) on the cabinet top are Columbia. Amet "ears" would be stubby and round. Macdonald cabinets were made not only to convert Class M's to spring motor machines, but could accept a Bell Tainter top as well. They were available from the Chicago Talking Machine Company. I've seen these set up for both Edison and Bell Tainter (interchangeable) or specific to one or the other. Interesting to note, Bell Tainter top works and Edison Top works are driven in different directions. In other words the correct rotation of the top works is clockwise on one, and counter clockwise on the the other. So, on the interchangeable versions, the belt would need to be twisted or crossed to work successfully on one or the other top works. As to the spot, I've blown the picture up as much as I can. I would love to report it is a Chicago Talking Machine decal, which I have seen on these cabinets, but not enough detail to say definitively. As well, the shape is not reminiscent of a Chicago Talking Machine decal. Outstanding and important picture!!! Shawn Edited January 31, 2021 by Shawn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shawn Posted January 31, 2021 Share Posted January 31, 2021 Here is a Chicago Talking Machine decal on a Macdonald case with a Bell Tainter top. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AudioAntique Posted January 31, 2021 Share Posted January 31, 2021 Just received a call from Angelina! Here is another example. This is a very interesting topic and Edward Amet being such a gifted inventor who was a pioneer in the industry. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KinetoGuy Posted February 2, 2021 Share Posted February 2, 2021 Sorry about the erroneous Amet attribution to the phonograph in the photo and thank you for the wonderful information on what the phonograph really is... I tried looking closely at the spot on the front of the case...unfortunately I will need to recruit younger eyes or something with greater magnification..it appears as if it is raised and it also appears as if there are letters there.... I will provide a follow-up..... Also wishing now that I bough the Amet phonograph that I was offered some 20 years ago....!!!!! Alan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RodPickett Posted February 4, 2021 Share Posted February 4, 2021 On 2/2/2021 at 1:48 PM, KinetoGuy said: Sorry about the erroneous Amet attribution to the phonograph in the photo From an Administrative viewpoint – no need to apologize on this Forum. It is for open dialog and exchange of information. Tactful and helpful feedback is always welcome. Caustic or demeaning feedback will not be tolerated. I made a similar error on a posting and received respectful feedback. From a Collector’s viewpoint – what a fantastic collection of photos you have and thank you for your continued contributions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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