Bidspirit auction | Standard Talking Machine AA Disc

Standard Talking Machine AA Disc Phonograph w/Horn - This Standard Talking Machine Model AA is a front-mount disc phonograph introduced in 1905. It holds the distinction of being the very first machine manufactured by the Standard Talking Machine Company of Chicago. The machine is actually a rebranded version of the Columbia Model AU—Columbia's bottom-of-the-line $12 client machine—fitted with the specialized oversized spindle to support the Chicago-based ”spindle wars” marketing strategy. The Model AA was part of a famous marketing ”scheme” where the phonographs were sold very cheaply or given away by local merchants as an inducement to buy store goods. However, the machine featured a proprietary 5/8-inch spindle shaft, locking customers into purchasing the company's own 7-inch Standard Disc records, which were made with oversized 5/8-inch center holes. The phonograph features an ”open works” design where the mechanical motor spring and gears are fully exposed on a cast-iron base rather than hidden inside a wooden cabinet. Being sold for parts or repair. Motor is missing governor weights, no crank but the motor does wind and run, original horn, reproducer and aluminum travel arm. Turn table has large spindle and is missing the felt. From the Trenga collection. Measures 20” wide with horn, 8” wide, 15” tall to the top of the horn.