Classic/Antique Car Repair: 1953 Ford Victoria, 1953 ford victoria, starter solenoid

Question
The car cranks fine for about 3 seconds and then slows quickly like it's a major power drain on the battery. at first I thought I'd bought a defective battery but I exchanged the first one and the new one does the same thing. After trying to start it, if I charge the battery it will do the same thing again. Any Ideas other than cleaning and checking all the terminals,points,cap,rotor and timing?  

Answer
At this point without being there with the car and a good ammeter connected to the circuit and a voltmeter all I can do is give what might be possible problems. The first would be the starter itself. It is a possibility that the bushing are worn and the armature is dragging on the field coils. The second and this would depend on the sound that is being made when trying to start, would be advanced timing. That would sound like the engine trying to kick back. It is also a possible defect in the starter solenoid. The contacts may be burned internally and when heated up cause severe resistance.