Featured Phonograph № 67
Posted: Tue Oct 05, 2010 1:32 pm
Make: Columbia Graphophone Co.
Model: Grafonola Console Model 239
Serial # N/A
Year(s) Made: 1923
Original Cost: $100
Case/Cabinet Size: Height: 34" Width: 35.5" Depth: 20"
Turntable/Mandrel: 12"
Reproducer/Sound-Box: Columbia #6
Motor: 3 spring motor without the automatic stop
Horn Dimensions: internal
Reproduction Parts: One of the door knobs and the lower 4 of the 6 little square moldings on the front are incorrect, temporary replacements.
Current Value: ?
Interesting Facts: I found this machine in one of these "shabby chique" antique stores, where they have the nasty habit of white washing every old piece of furniture they can find. Fortunately I was able to buy it before they got to it, so I only had to remove a million of little white paint splatters.
Both motor and tone arm were frozen, but could be released with WD40 and Liquid Wrench. Some Kotton Cleanser, Protective Wood Feeder and elbow grease and it was good as new. Still need to clean and re-grease the 3 spring motor at some point, but so far it is running great without bumps etc.
It took me a long time of research until I found any information about this machine. Finally I found an article in the March 17, 1923 issue of The Talking Machine Trade journal. This Grafonola Console Model 239 was announced in early 1923 by the Columbia Graphophone Co., just a few months before they went bancrupt in late 1923. After Columbia re-emerged as the new Columbia Phonograph Co. they re-introduced the Model 239 with slightly changed features. My 1923 model had the "old" Columbia Grafonola decal on the inside and had 2 regular doors which covered the horn and the record storage. The later 1924- models had the new Columbia decal and disappearing drop panel doors as pictured on page 209 in the Columbia Phonograph Companion Vol.II. So this early Grafonola Model 239 has only been manufactured for a few months in 1923. Not sure how many of it were made and how many still survive, especially in this great shape.
Favorite Characteristics: Very nice and elegant little console, which unobtrusively fits into the design of a contemporary room. Nevertheless, the sound and volume of this little console is pretty amazing.
Model: Grafonola Console Model 239
Serial # N/A
Year(s) Made: 1923
Original Cost: $100
Case/Cabinet Size: Height: 34" Width: 35.5" Depth: 20"
Turntable/Mandrel: 12"
Reproducer/Sound-Box: Columbia #6
Motor: 3 spring motor without the automatic stop
Horn Dimensions: internal
Reproduction Parts: One of the door knobs and the lower 4 of the 6 little square moldings on the front are incorrect, temporary replacements.
Current Value: ?
Interesting Facts: I found this machine in one of these "shabby chique" antique stores, where they have the nasty habit of white washing every old piece of furniture they can find. Fortunately I was able to buy it before they got to it, so I only had to remove a million of little white paint splatters.
Both motor and tone arm were frozen, but could be released with WD40 and Liquid Wrench. Some Kotton Cleanser, Protective Wood Feeder and elbow grease and it was good as new. Still need to clean and re-grease the 3 spring motor at some point, but so far it is running great without bumps etc.It took me a long time of research until I found any information about this machine. Finally I found an article in the March 17, 1923 issue of The Talking Machine Trade journal. This Grafonola Console Model 239 was announced in early 1923 by the Columbia Graphophone Co., just a few months before they went bancrupt in late 1923. After Columbia re-emerged as the new Columbia Phonograph Co. they re-introduced the Model 239 with slightly changed features. My 1923 model had the "old" Columbia Grafonola decal on the inside and had 2 regular doors which covered the horn and the record storage. The later 1924- models had the new Columbia decal and disappearing drop panel doors as pictured on page 209 in the Columbia Phonograph Companion Vol.II. So this early Grafonola Model 239 has only been manufactured for a few months in 1923. Not sure how many of it were made and how many still survive, especially in this great shape.
Favorite Characteristics: Very nice and elegant little console, which unobtrusively fits into the design of a contemporary room. Nevertheless, the sound and volume of this little console is pretty amazing.
