On the weekend I purchased at auction a London Upright Edison disc
phonograph LU37, no. 45667.  The cabinet is labelled "Edison No. 18
Cabinet Factory".  I have been advised that the reproducer is non-
standard.

It is stamped "BALANCE No. 2" and "THE BALANCE STYLE E" and looks
more like a conventional gramophone reproducer than an Edison disc
reproducer.  However, in what looks like a screw-clamp fitting to hold
a conventional steel needle, there is a turned post with what appears
to be a very small jewel on the end.  The post is plated with a gold-
coloured finish and is approximately one and a half centimetres long.

Can anybody help me in identifying what this configuration is for.
Can I play Edison discs with it?  How can I tell if the stylus is still
in working order?

Ian Sanderson
Melbourne