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Does anyone know exactly what Columbia machine used this reproducer? There is minor cracking in the nickel plated area so I assume it is pot metal, and it is in a box marked NICKEL No. 16-A. It definitely needs new gaskets.

Although yours is American made, it looks similar to the UK Columbia No.8 which was used across their machine range in 1927/28.

epigramophone wrote:Although yours is American made, it looks similar to the UK Columbia No.8 which was used across their machine range in 1927/28.

Yes, it is very similar, but different. The major differences appear to be yours has a knurled edge on the rear piece and the dome is slightly different, but the both have 13 holes on the front and the needle bars and mounts look the same.

I don't know what specific models it might have been fitted to, but I did find out that it was sold to upgrade older models --
FROM: HTH,
OrthoFan

OrthoFan wrote:I don't know what specific models it might have been fitted to, but I did find out that it was sold to upgrade older models

Thanks! That's some good info about it anyway. Maybe it never was the 'correct' reproducer for any of their models.

So in other words it was Columbia's answer to the Victrola No. 4, a "non-Viva Tonal" model to enable old style machines, at least roughly, to play the new records. I love the way that announcement refers to the 16-V as being "for old instruments of other standard makes," (er) pointedly avoiding mention of that other outfit over in Camden. Gee, I wonder how they came up with "V" for a suffix?

phono-farm wrote:

OrthoFan wrote:I don't know what specific models it might have been fitted to, but I did find out that it was sold to upgrade older models

Thanks! That's some good info about it anyway. Maybe it never was the 'correct' reproducer for any of their models.

I'm wondering about that too, as well as if any "16-Vs" have turned up? At five bucks, it would have been priced the same as the Victor #4 sound box, sold as an upgrade. According to the CPI inflation calculator, that would be at least $75 in today's money. According to my own "candy bar inflation calculator," that would be about $125.00 in today's money. (The price of a candy bar was 5-cents in 1927, and about $1.25 today!) I'd guess not many were sold.

OrthoFan

This style reproducer was also used on some Columbia portables like the Model 130. I have two and both are crumbling unfortunately...

Andreas