Any Information on this Columbia AK

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uncle-jimmy
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Any Information on this Columbia AK

Post by uncle-jimmy »

I am assuming this is a Columbia AK. This photo is from Gallery of Stanton auction but is not accompanied by written description. Does anyone have information of this version of support arm and knowledge of which reproducer or horn elbow would be proper for this style machine, etc ?
Also do they ever show up at the big Shows like Union?
Thanks guys.
Jim
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rodpickett
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Re: Any Information on this Columbia AK

Post by rodpickett »

I don’t believe Stanton has a published a catalog yet.

The lot you reference (546) does appear to be a Columbia AK, Style III.

According to the book published by Bob Baumbach, “Columbia Phonograph Companion Volume II”, p. 73, this machine was described as:

“….was made for Sears and Roebuck, sold for $8.75 and featured a green or dark oak cabinet, embossed tone arm, curved solid rod support arm and a 16” Japanned horn with leather elbow. All versions featured the Analyzing reproducer, 7” turntable and a single spring motor with a four ball governor.”

Others on this forum would need to comment on its originality and rarity.

uncle-jimmy
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Re: Any Information on this Columbia AK

Post by uncle-jimmy »

Hi Rod,
Thanks for the great input.
I had a feeling that it might be a Sears or Montgomery Ward version.
Jim

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Zwebie
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Re: Any Information on this Columbia AK

Post by Zwebie »

I believe that this is the second, version of a Columbia AK First style.
This early version used a metal rod which was quickly changed to the aluminum support arm.
The tone arm is also the early wooden branded version.
The rare early reproducer is Columbia's version of a Victor Concert.
The correct horn would have a pewter bell.

This is a fairly rare machine to find, and looks in excellent shape.

The only version of the AK earlier than this used the same metal support rod which directly supported the horn which had an aluminum fitting on the end to hold the same early reproducer.

I'm not a Columbia collector, but this is what I have learned from others thru the years.
Columbia pro's please chime in if I got anything wrong.

Cheers, Bob S.

uncle-jimmy
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Re: Any Information on this Columbia AK

Post by uncle-jimmy »

Thank You Bob.
Do you think that it would have a "Drop-Off" style Crank , or a Threaded one?
Jim

Phonofreak
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Re: Any Information on this Columbia AK

Post by Phonofreak »

Sorry for being late chiming in. Bob, is absolutely correct about this machine. Everything on this is correct and original. I'm not sure if this machine used a threaded or fall off crank. I do have an early second version of the AJ. This machine is just after the top wind model. Mine does have a fall off crank. Hope this helps. It will be interesting to see what this machine goes for.
Harvey Kravitz

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Zwebie
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Re: Any Information on this Columbia AK

Post by Zwebie »

Sorry Jim,

I'm not sure if it was drop off or not, but, an early second style cabinet which I once owned with the same nickel bed-plated motor used a screw on crank. So, my guess would be screw on.

I hope this helps, Bob S.

zapper
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Re: Any Information on this Columbia AK

Post by zapper »

I have this model and it has a short fall off winder. Mine has a repro leather elbow and horn but when I purchased the wooden arm it had the early concert reproducer which is similar to the Victor.
Brian

estott
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Re: Any Information on this Columbia AK

Post by estott »

Zwebie wrote:I believe that this is the second, version of a Columbia AK First style.
This early version used a metal rod which was quickly changed to the aluminum support arm.
The tone arm is also the early wooden branded version.
The rare early reproducer is Columbia's version of a Victor Concert.
The correct horn would have a pewter bell.
When you say the horn would have a pewter bell, do you mean something like the vorn Victor used which has a sheet iron body and a spun zinc bell? When the black finish flakes off it has a greyish appearance, often slightly powdery.

uncle-jimmy
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Re: Any Information on this Columbia AK

Post by uncle-jimmy »

Thanks Rod, Harvey , Bob and Brian for the great info.
I have to say WOW ,what an amazing year 1902 was for phonographs. Isn't it amazing how Bob refers to the "Second" version of the "First" style of AK. Then Harvey mentions his "Early" second version of the AJ. And Rod's reporting on the similar AK made for Sears.
Then add those to the version of AK that I was already familiar with , the "No Tone Arm" AK.... Now THAT is an interesting looking machine with that special aluminum horn elbow.... Columbia Must have been throwing out new versions of their new Disc machine every couple of Months , it seems.

Brian, I would be interested to know what Decal your version has.

If anyone has photos of any of these early AK's or Catalog Ads showing them , it would be neat to see them.
Thanks,
Jim

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