Hi There,

As a newbie, let me introduce myself. ....... I know very little about Antique Radios, apart from the knob that you turn it on with.

My Field of Collection is Pressure Kerosene Lighting. Why am I here.?

Like most Collectors I spend spare time in the usual haunts looking for that special item.

On one of my recent travels I came across and purchased a Bullphone Nightingale Horn Speaker. I am interested in any info any of the Members here can supply.

At this stage I have established it to be circa 1926 with an electromagnet driven Diaphragm for sound reproduction.

I was working on the theory of Restoration but I am having trouble in separating the 2 Sections of the Bakelite Housing. I can see that it is threaded but it defies all attempts of opening.

Is there a process apart from a hammer to assist the separation?

Does Bakelite " Bond " over time? or were the sections glued originally.

I an used to separating parts by "heating and quenching" I am sure not applicable to Bakelite.

Hoping you can help in my dilemma.

... Colin

G'day Colin,

I think patience will be the key here as the innards of a horn driver are very tender, particularly the two field windings which are of very fine wire.

A 'hammer' isn't such a bad idea although I'd be using it to tap rather than bash. It is possible that the threads can be worked lose just by tapping something agaiinst the bakelite. I'd use this as an absolute last resort though because I can't see the condition of the bakelite from where I am.

One thing to start with would be a can of silicon spray or even WD40, CRC or similar product. Use it where the thread starts, giving several hours for it to try and work in, then hit it again and leave for a while before trying the thread.

One thing to be prepared for though. Sometimes bakelite just breaks and for no particular reason. Pieces of bakelite don't bond together but if the two pieces that are screwed together were dirty beforehand or the thread is tapered or someone else has used superglue or Araldite on them then life will be hard. If you can see any evidence of gluing then some acetone may solve this problem as it is will dissolve most epoxy-based substances. Acetone has to be treated with respect though as it can melt most plastics, contaminate wood and other porous surfaces and is also inflammable.

Hi Brad,

Thanks for the info.

I have worked with Bakelite before and am aware of the pitfalls of impatience.

I find kerosene a good penetrating liquid, have given the thread a fair soaking, dissapears all the time so it's not as if it is air-tight.

I think you have hit the nail on the head with regards to the dirt.

Will give it another dose of kero and try 2 oil filter removers and see if I can slowly budge it.

What are the odds of picking up a Bullphone Nightingale Receiver to compliment it.?



... Colin.

Thought you might be interested in a Photo

Image Link

...Colin

Well that's a shiny piece of brass!