So to sing their praises, here are three examples from Columbia's first spring-motor disk offering. I'll note known variations of the initial offering from period documented data. Its a slippery and dangerous slope to do so, because (1) the documentation available is not comprehensive and (2) current examples can deviate (for many reasons unknown) from the period documentation available.
In the 30 years I have collected, there has been consistent debate on such fine points as:
- "when were stamped steel turntables introduced?"
- "when were pot-metal turntables introduced?"
- "when was the improved soundbox discontinued?"
- "when were brass elbows introduced?"
Also, we've all seen present day variations from what I document below. I am not here to say these present day variations could not be representative of how it came from a dealer. I've learned too many times over the years that what is in the catalog, or stated in period trade magazines isn't a complete picture of what was sold at a dealers store in 1901 or 1902. That being said, it is the best data we have available to us today.
I apologize up front for the orientation of the pictures. Its not that I don't know how to orient them, its that they are direct cuts from my catalog files, oriented as they came from the original catalog. I chose not to re-orient them.
As well, show us your pictures!! These machines really deserve be more desired in our community!!!
Columbia AJ Issued in 1901, this is Columbia's first 7-inch machine. It is referred to by collectors today as the Top wind AJ.
Initial Offering: This model was issued with and without a hold-down nut, with an Improved soundbox, with two variations of motor configurations, and with a cast aluminum turntable.
In future months/years, the AJ Model would go on to be issued in several cabinet and motor variations (Rear-wind, side-wind) with the later analyzing reproducer, with a brass elbow, with different traveling and support arms, and with stamped steel and pot metal turntables.
Shown here, this machine has an Improved sound box, with a cast aluminum turntable, with a hold-down nut, and with a leather elbow.
Columbia AH. Issued in 1901, this was Columbia's first 10-inch machine.
Initial Offering: This model was issued with and without a hold-down nut, with an Improved soundbox, with two variations of motor configurations, with a cast aluminum turntable, with and without the name "Columbia" cast on the travelling arm, and with or without the reproducer locking screw on the arm.
Its hard to see, but the first ad shows the tone arm without "Columbia" cast on it.
In future months/years, the AH would go on to be issued in several cabinet and motor variations, with the later analyzing reproducer, with a brass elbow, with different travelling arms, and with stamped steel and pot metal turntables.
Shown here, this machine has an Improved sound box, with a cast aluminum turntable, without the name "Columbia" cast on the travelling arm, with the reproducer locking screw on the travelling arm, with a hold-down nut, and with a leather elbow.
Columbia AK Issued in 1902, this is Columbia's second 7-inch machine. Priced less expensive than the AJ, it was their "value" model. It is referred to by collectors today as the rod-style AK.
Initial Offering: This model was issued without a hold-down nut, with the Improved soundbox, with a single motor configuration, with a rod support arm, with a stamped wooden travel arm, and with a cast aluminum turntable.
In future months/years, the AK Model would go on to be issued in several cabinet variations, with the later analyzing reproducer, with a brass elbow, with different traveling and support arms, and with stamped steel and pot metal turntables.
Shown here, this machine has an Improved sound box, with a cast aluminum turntable, with a zinc-bell black painted horn, and with a leather elbow.
Enjoy Collecting!!!
Shawn