The Allen Koenigsberg Phonograph Collection
Lot 3131:
Description
A rare Columbia foot treadle operated wax cylinder shaving mechanism. The mechanical components were produced by the American Graphophone Company, which held the early Bell-Tainter wax-engraving patents. They were sold commercially via the Columbia Phonograph Company and were used mainly in offices to recycle the cylinders for dictation. Unlike later electric models or simple hand-cranked desktop shavers, this unit sat on a heavy, cast-iron table frame. The operator continuously pumped a foot pedal (treadle) to rotate the mandrel via a heavy flywheel and belt drive. This machine is complete and could be hooked up to a Wheeler & Wilson sewing machine base. It is heavy cast iron and turns smoothly. The shaver blade is intact. The original sewn drive belt is included but broken. Measures 16” wide, 7” deep, 8” tall. From the Allen Koenigsberg collection.
Share this lot:
