The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Make: Columbia
Model: AO
Serial # 276295
Year(s) Made: 1903
Original Cost: 30.00
Case/Cabinet Size: 13 x 9 inches
Turntable/Mandrel: 4"
Reproducer/Sound-Box: #5
Motor: triple spring
Horn Dimensions: aluminium
Reproduction Parts: trunion
Current Value: ?
Interesting Facts: Could play 8 two minute records when fully wound


[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8bv9_9Dco8[/youtube]

This is one beautiful machine - great workmanship on tha cabinet.

Beautiful machine in nice condition. I especially like the woodwork. This is one of very few phonographs which looks fancy even with closed lid!

Can you please show us the motor also. I always regret that views on the motor parts are rarely shown, even in reference books.

A very handsome machine indeed. I have to admit, if I was buying a phonograph in the first few years of the 20th century, I think it would have been a Columbia. Edison machines just look too drab next to most Columbias, and the cabinet on this model especially, is a magnificent design.
Thanks for sharing it with us!

PS...+1 on the motor pic

Great machine. I don't know why, but most Columbia machines look so much more interesting and decorative than Edisons or Victors.
Thanks for sharing
Andreas

Wonderful machine! You can't beat a Columbia cylinder machine for good looks and yours is one of the best.
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I have a question for you long time collectors... In the Pacific Northwest, almost all first generation collectors placed little value on Columbia cylinder machines. As a result, I was able to buy many really nice ornate Columbia machines at great prices. Was this true in other areas? Jerry Blais

Jerry B. wrote:I have a question for you long time collectors... In the Pacific Northwest, almost all first generation collectors placed little value on Columbia cylinder machines. As a result, I was able to buy many really nice ornate Columbia machines at great prices. Was this true in other areas? Jerry Blais

The same was true back East, Jerry. I think much of the earlier collector bias against Columbia machines was based on 2 things: 1) Pot metal carriages (although collectors forgave Edison for pot metal bearings and reproducers/recorders), and 2) Perceptions of dishonesty, greed, and other negative human traits alleged of the Columbia management by Oliver Read & Walter Welch in From Tinfoil to Stereo. The negative perceptions we formed in our early years can still be found on some websites belonging to collectors who really should know better by now! The Columbia management are vilified to this day by those who believe what they read in Tinfoil to Stereo, and the machines purveyed by them are sometimes painted with the same brush. Personally, I love Graphophones, but then my character has always been suspect...

Bruce's beautiful example of an "AO" reminds me of a short article that appeared almost a year ago - and it includes a photo of the motor!

George P.

Excellent article George,

I'd forgotten about that one. How appropriate to post it here now!

I'll also try to get a picture of the motor, although the one in the article is also very good.

A general comment: It's nice to see some "featured phono" activity again even though it's not archived anymore. Members of this forum have so much to share.

phonogfp wrote:

Jerry B. wrote:I have a question for you long time collectors... In the Pacific Northwest, almost all first generation collectors placed little value on Columbia cylinder machines. As a result, I was able to buy many really nice ornate Columbia machines at great prices. Was this true in other areas? Jerry Blais

The same was true back East, Jerry. I think much of the earlier collector bias against Columbia machines was based on 2 things: 1) Pot metal carriages (although collectors forgave Edison for pot metal bearings and reproducers/recorders), and 2) Perceptions of dishonesty, greed, and other negative human traits alleged of the Columbia management by Oliver Read & Walter Welch in From Tinfoil to Stereo. The negative perceptions we formed in our early years can still be found on some websites belonging to collectors who really should know better by now! The Columbia management are vilified to this day by those who believe what they read in Tinfoil to Stereo, and the machines purveyed by them are sometimes painted with the same brush. Personally, I love Graphophones, but then my character has always been suspect...

Bruce's beautiful example of an "AO" reminds me of a short article that appeared almost a year ago - and it includes a photo of the motor!

George P.

In regards to your question, Jerry, the NE recently spawned another fan of Columbia (American) Graphophones! ME.

I just found this post, excellent timing! Nearly 3-½ years prior to me needing it! How did you know?

Just joking, I like this particular post because it contains 2 people that I now associate with, Jerry, the man that sold me an AO, and George, the man that encourages me to see more and to learn more!

GREAT article, as usual George!

Thanks again to both of you.

(George, Love the C-19, BTW)

Valecnik, beautiful instrument!

Thank you for posting so many different machines in such detail!