Anyone who can identify this Columbia model for me?

Sigurbjorn · by **Sigurbjorn** » Wed Nov 22, 2006 1:34 am

Anyone who can identify this Columbia model for me ?

by **Joe_DS** » Wed Nov 22, 2006 2:36 am

The only table models I know of are equipped with lateral (sideways) slats--at least all those illustrated in The Columbia Phonograph Companion, Vol. II by Robert Baumbach.

Based on the carving I see on the corner posts, and in the center portion of the lid, this could be a Mignonette, a Nonpareil, or possibly a De Luxe or 100. (These were all full size models.)

Joe_DS

Sigurbjorn · by **Sigurbjorn** » Thu Nov 23, 2006 2:05 am

Neophone · by **Neophone** » Thu Nov 23, 2006 10:33 am

Sig...,

That looks like a cut down upright, but if so it was done a long time ago. I don't know enough about Columbias to know for sure. It is similar to a Graf 200 but a bit plainer in the cornerpost carvings. Joe, I bet you're right.

Apparently there was a lot of that; cutting down of uprights for use in vaction cottages and the like.

Go figure!

Regards,
J.

Sigurbjorn · by **Sigurbjorn** » Fri Nov 24, 2006 12:51 am

Neophone wrote:Sig...,

That looks like a cut down upright, but if so it was done a long time ago. I don't know enough about Columbias to know for sure. It is similar to a Graf 200 but a bit plainer in the cornerpost carvings. Joe, I bet you're right.

Apparently there was a lot of that; cutting down of uprights for use in vaction cottages and the like. Go figure!

Regards,
J.

This one has never been cutting down of uprights.This one is table-top model and I have seen similar phonos at Ebay but never one like this one

by **Joe_DS** » Fri Nov 24, 2006 3:59 am

I looked over all of the table top models in the Columbia Phonograph Companion, and there's nothing similar, and none has louvers running up and down. The carvings, molding, slats, etc., however, are a near exact match for the full size models I mentioned in my earlier post.

What makes me believe that this one had been modified is the fact that the corner posts stop abruptly at the beveled base, with no continuity in the design, as you see in all of the other table top models. The base does look old, however, and it seems to match the rest of the finish.

I'll also note that previously unknown models do surface from time to time, so this may simply be an odd bird, that had a short production life. I've also heard that some models were designed specifically for use as "counter demonstrators" for playing records in the stores. Hopefully, some of our Columbia experts will chime in.

Neophone · by **Neophone** » Fri Nov 24, 2006 10:39 am

Joe_DS wrote: I've also heard that some models were designed specifically for use as "counter demonstrators" for playing records in the stores. Hopefully, some of our Columbia experts will chime in.

Joe...,

That's a very interesting theory. That base just simply looks to small and simple for such an ornate top. Think of the relatively large base on even a humble VV-IV. Didn't Columbia put model or serial numbers anywhere?

Sig...,

Is there anything on the bottom to give a clue? A tag or label, maybe odd looking screws or nails? Does it have any sort of foot or bumper on the bottom? Is the bottom stained and/or varnished? Have you removed the motor board/bedplate (What did Columbia call it?), any clues inside? Does the interior unfinished wood match, if you can see around the horn? Do you know anything of the provenance of this particular machine?

Regards,
J.

Sigurbjorn · by **Sigurbjorn** » Sat Nov 25, 2006 12:10 am

Neophone wrote:
Joe_DS wrote: I've also heard that some models were designed specifically for use as "counter demonstrators" for playing records in the stores. Hopefully, some of our Columbia experts will chime in.

Joe...,

That's a very interesting theory. That base just simply looks to small and simple for such an ornate top. Think of the relatively large base on even a humble VV-IV. Didn't Columbia put model or serial numbers anywhere?

Sig...,

Is there anything on the bottom to give a clue? A tag or label, maybe odd looking screws or nails? Does it have any sort of foot or bumper on the bottom? Is the bottom stained and/or varnished? Have you removed the motor board/bedplate (What did Columbia call it?), any clues inside? Does the interior unfinished wood match, if you can see around the horn? Do you know anything of the provenance of this particular machine?

Regards,
J.

Dear J.

The bottom of this player is made of thiner wood and around it is wood of mahony.This Phonograph is very heavy to lift.I have removed the motor board because when I got it it was not running but I got another motor who looked as the old one from Ebay.Inside of the lid stands Columbia Grafonola and I have seen at the net that similar model was called "Favorite" and were made from 1911 - 1925 but there is no clue inside of this one.At the front when the lid is open is a silver plate with some info
No A 91389
AM Graphophone Co
Bridgeport,Conn
USA
Pat Appl

by **Joe_DS** » Sat Nov 25, 2006 4:07 am

Neophone wrote: ...

That base just simply looks to small and simple for such an ornate top. Think of the relatively large base on even a humble VV-IV.

I agree. All of the bases I've seen on Columbia table top Grafonolas were quite substantial, or at least, they balanced the rest of the cabinet.
A typical example is the Favorite --

Description -- http://home.earthlink.net/~gnordenstam/ ... vorite.htm

Also see -- 2-door (early) version: http://www.worldofgramophones.com/gramo3.html

Sigurbjorn · by **Sigurbjorn** » Sat Nov 25, 2006 8:39 am

Yes,I have seen many of these but this one looks smaller than my one and not engraved on the side

Neophone · by **Neophone** » Sat Nov 25, 2006 10:58 am

Sig...,

O.K. now we have a serial number to go on. I am familiar with the "Favorite", it's on my wish list. I must respectfully disagree with you regarding similarity between a "Favorite" and this machine. All table top Columbias I have seen have horizontal louvers. The "Favorite" and most tabletop phonographs are lacking in such ornate decoration. At least one fellow collector agrees with Joe in that it may be a cut-down 100.

I will send out the serial number among the collectors I know and see if anyone can come up with anything definitive.

Regards,
J.

Sigurbjorn · by **Sigurbjorn** » Sat Nov 25, 2006 7:36 pm

Ok,thanks.I took a photo at the bottom of this phonograph.Maybe have this cutting been well done but I do not see any clue about that this one have been taller

Neophone · by **Neophone** » Sun Nov 26, 2006 9:07 am

Sig...,

The framework of the bottom does look to be of a similar vintage to the rest of the Graf, yet that piece of wood in the middle is much newer. It doesn't appear to have any sort of finish on it. If it's 'raw" wood it would be very faded if it was contemporary to the rest of the machine I would think.

I have passed the serial number around and am still waiting to hear anything. I do think rather than a "frankenphone" what you have there is a loving repair of a seriously damaged Grafonola. Someone put a lot of care into that. As such, in my opinion what you have there is a one of a kind example of a homemade rebuild. Hopefully I'll have more for you one way or the other soon.

Regards,
J.

Sigurbjorn · by **Sigurbjorn** » Sun Nov 26, 2006 1:03 pm

Ok,thanks for your help.So if this is just some homemade I just see one way for it,to the junk sale.I thought this was a orginal item.

sentjourn · by **sentjourn** » Sun Nov 26, 2006 6:16 pm

Sigurbjorn wrote:Ok,thanks for your help.So if this is just some homemade I just see one way for it,to the junk sale.I thought this was a orginal item.

To simply discard this machine as having no value.would be a great mistake. Weather it has been cut down or otherwise modified, it is a machine that has undoubtably brought enjoyment to others for many years and should be treated as such. Even if it is not worth thousands of dollars it deserves a good home and the respect given to any early phonograph.