Chicago Talking Machine Company

The Chicago Talking Machine Company had begun in the early 1890s by recording a few titles on blank cylinder records. Following the bankruptcy of Edison's North American Phonograph Company, Chicago Talking Machine wound up with some of the Edison and Bell-Tainter machines. At this time there was a great deal of experimentation going on to fit a successful spring motor into the phonograph so that it could be distributed into the home.

Around 1895 Chicago Talking Machine began fitting spring motors of Amet and other design into cases of their own design, re-using the North American tops.

This Chicago Talking Machine employs a Bell-Tainter top. The reproducer is not original -- the machine would have sold with a black gutta percha reproducer. Note that the casting was made to accept either Edison or Columbia upperworks.
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The plain oak case featured spring loaded knobs to clip the lid into place.
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The motor on this machine is attributed to Columbia.
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Lynn Bilton
Box 435
Randolph,OH 44265
330 325-7866

We buy, sell, and repair antique phonographs and music boxes.

Pick-up and delivery possible in many parts of the midwest, south, and northeast.