[ Tom Baker wrote that he inherited some Edison Business Machines. ]

Hello again Tom:  If the machines are in wooden cases then there is
some collectable value to them even if they will not play pre-recorded
Edison cylinders.  Especially valuable is the spring motor machine
which used the same motor as the late Triumph 2 spring machines
(Models F & G).

While not up into the thousands of dollars a spring motor model Triumph
might command, these machines do sell in the low- to mid-hundreds.
Many times the spring motors are lifted to complete a regular Edison
Triumph Phonograph that has a damaged or missing motor so the spring
motor alone can be worth a few hundred dollars.

The EconWatt electric motors of the business machines are good for
a number of regulated speed projects.  They are universal AC/DC motors,
an Edison invention, that will work on both types of electric mains.
The motors are fitted with a fly-ball governor that will hold speed with
reasonable accuracy.  I have never seen one of these motors burn out,
but the brushes on some have required renewal and the commutator some
attention to dressing.

Before you "operate" on these machines check out the value.  If you
sold them in original shape for enough to buy an Edison Phonograph,
it would save you time and effort plus keep them authentic.

Regards,

Al Sefl