The last month I kept an eye on a Columbia 153A for sale, not knowing then that the tonearm on my 156A was destroyed. I had constantly postponed the service of the 156A, knowing it was missing its needle boxes and door knob, but..when you phonosandradios started this thread, it also ignited my desire and dedication to service my own 156A. When we discovered some days ago that our tonearms were bad, I made an offer on the 153A, but it was rejected. The seller wanted 175 euro for it. I have during the last day been in more contact with the seller, and after long netogiation, I was offered to get it for 120 Euro. I accepted the offer, and drove out today, totalling 200 km, to bring the machine back home. I did not sleep much last night, because the negotiation was for some time halting, and not until 2 am today, the agreement was made, and I immediately drove out.
Pictures tell more than words, so I upload a photo of how my 156a now is looking. I knew before I bought it that both a duster and a round tin of Columbia needles was under the lid, and even if I dont really need the rest of the cabinet, I could not resist take the machine, even if my monthly budget told me, no more gramophones for a while. But when will I next time find a machine with these goods, and also the tonearm I needed for my 156A? I had to buy it!
I have the correct soudnbox for the 156A, I will attach that tomorrow. I need to open,clean and oil the "new" tonearm, right now it is quite stiff and will not flex easily.
Thanks again for all greetings and support..and "phonosandradios", now I cross my fingers that you also find the tonearm for your machine! If I see one, I will of course also tell you!
PS. The doorknobs on the 153A are different than those on the 156A, so I still have something to look for.

PS II. The color of the plush probably should be purple, but I can also live with green for now..
PS III. The Columbia tin is orange, not yellow.
By the way, have someone ever tried to clean the velour/plush on a Columbia turntable, and if yes...what did you use?
I have myself cleaned HMV felts with Vanish stain remover, and it has been successful, even if it is VERY important to rinse for a long time to remove all the stain remover from the felt ( myself I hold the turntable under the water tap), and also allow the felt to dry completely ( using a hair dryer before drying in air over night) before closing the lid of a HMV portable. I learned the hard way that way on a light blue HMV 101, where the residue of the stain remover contaminated the record tray and made a pale blue circle on the record tray and HMV logo almost faded off completely, all contaminated from the turntable when the lid was closed!