Columbia with glass top?

[ts_13]

I am sure this is a alteration but interesting. I am interested if anyone has seen similar things like this before? (Glass on the top of the lid)

[Jerry B.]

I've seen sketched Victor advertising that showed, I believe, the slanted portions of the domed lid in glass allowing the potential buyer to see with operation of the machine with the lid down. I've always wondered if this was actually done in a high end dealer showroom and it any of the machines survived. Jerry Blais

[drboruff]

Is the machine advertised with a glass top? My first impression looking at the picture was the top of the lid was simply missing. David

[phonogfp]

I'm shocked...SHOCKED...to learn that you boys have been neglecting your studies!

From A World of Antique Phonographs, here's a table-model Grafonola with glass panels in its lid (along with other modifications):

From "A World of Antique Phonographs" by Fabrizio & Paul. All Rights Reserved.

From Phonographica, here's a wonderful photo of a Victor dealer's exhibition in 1923. Check out the glass lid of the Victrola in the right foreground:

From "Phonographica" by Fabrizio & Paul. All Rights Reserved.

Click either image twice to enlarge.

George P.