The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello – I’m looking for confirmation if the machine I have is a Columbia Europa. Based on what I have seen in this forum, I think it may be but there is no brand marking as far as I can see. This machine has a green metal base with a black paperlike wrap and outside horn. The only information I see is a patent label glued to the bottom. Please excuse my lack of proper terminology I have no experience with phonographs, etc. If someone can help Identify make, model, dating and value I would appreciate it. Thank you.

Yes, that is a Columbia Europa.

pics , why is the soundbox facing the wrong way ?

https://oldcrank.com/collection/europa_ ... nless.html

Yes, it's a Europa with what appears to be an incorrect arm- soundbox is pointing the wrong way.

I had a nearly identical machine years ago that I sold and I still regret it. Mine was dark green with a leather brown colored wrap. Mine had a "Columbia Records" decal on the base.

Here's a pic of my machine, looking quite dusty, on the WWW. Wish I had more pictures.


Mine was unusual, even for these incredibly scarce machines, in that they were supposedly made in USA with Lyric parts from Imperial Germany, but the joint venture collapsed because of WW1 hostilities. Yet, mine had a 1920s Columbia Records decal which was obviously original, and it had a stop/ speed control that was definitely very early 20s, so I have no idea what went on there. It was in quite sorry condition when I got it- I did a painstaking restoration on it, mixing my own matching paint colors and doing a LOT of "body work" on the dented metal case. as well as re- nickeling all the nickel parts. Fortunately the decal area was intact and I was able to blend the paint.

Thanks for the information and quick replies. I am looking to sell this – any advice for price range in current condition?

kseely wrote:Thanks for the information and quick replies. I am looking to sell this – any advice for price range in current condition?

Where are you/ it? PM me with details, please. The two things that bother me about your machine are the incorrect arm and the ripped pressed trim sleeve. Do you have the missing piece, by chance?

I think someone broke the original arm and replaced it with a standard Grafonola arm. Aside from the soundbox orientation it should work fine

estott wrote:I think someone broke the original arm and replaced it with a standard Grafonola arm. Aside from the soundbox orientation it should work fine

Looks like the soundbox is possibly a No. 9 from a later portable. Looks like the arm may not allow the needle to line up with the spindle, either, but that might simply be picture angle.

As tough as it is to find Europas, wouldn't it be a good buy anyway if the price is right?

VanEpsFan1914 wrote:As tough as it is to find Europas, wouldn't it be a good buy anyway if the price is right?

Sure! It could be a really long wait to find the right parts, though.