The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I have listed this unusual item on eBay. If anybody here has any information on it that they would be willing to share, it would be helpful.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-ELECTRIC-A ... SwfkdZkIm1


thanks,

Raphael

Pretty interesting arrangement, looks like a Columbia motor, with a worm drive, electrical, that is very strange, it looks like that has all been there from the start.

Is it possible that this could be a private or after-market conversion?

Bill

Whether or not it's original is exactly what I'm trying to determine. This came from Dr. Z's collection and there is no information in his files.

Raphael

That's pretty damned neat, Raphael!

GLWTS,
Fran

I believe this original Columbia equipment, I've seen another like it that was also electric from the factory.

I wonder why the factory would have made just one or two examples. Experimenting, special orders, etc.???

Raphael

Special orders have always been made if you had enough Money ! And it looks factory not altered , Victor had cabinets made to match your existing furniture , there must be loads to be found

My take is that it is not a factory made item. The motor frame is the typical spring motor version and not a special casting, made specifically to mount an electric motor. The motor has been modified by shaving down one side so it fits between the motor frame stanchions where the spring barrel would normally go. Neither of these things would be the case with a purpose built, factory designed item. True, it's very nicely done. Besides, who would have paid the money required for a special order of a BK? Surely, more elaborate models would have chosen for such treatment.

Today's perspective makes it hard to believe that some guy just did this on his own, rather than it being done at the factory. Well, very long ago, when this was likely done, there were lots of guys employed as highly skilled machinists. We often see samples of beautifully made one-off machines, done by people of great ability. There just is not the same talent base today for this kind of stuff and so, to our modern eye, it looks unlikely that it could be made anywhere else than the factory of the original manufacturer.

Bottom line, I believe it's a very nicely done, very interesting, "craftsman" piece. Frankly, I don't believe it detracts from its value one bit. In fact, I believe it raises the interest level considerably over any other BK.

After considering everybody's opinion, I think it's either original or a later modification. That settles it, ha ha.

Seriously, thanks for the comments, they are appreciated.

Raphael