Identify Columbia Machine ?

[Gramtastic]

Can anyone tell me what model this is ?
Thanks

[phonogfp]

That's a Type BC Graphophone.

George P.

[Lucius1958]

Yours? If so, a great find!

The 'Higham' Graphophones are a fascinating bit of early technology: capable of great volume and fidelity for their time, if properly restored.

Bill

[Dulcetto]

Look closely and you will see several issues . The black enameling on the top frame is missing all of the decorative flower decals that were applied to this machine , also the "Graphophone" decal is a reproduction and incorrect style for this machine, so fairly indicating that the top frame has been repainted. The wooden lid or cover looks to have been re-finished in recent times with what looks to be a modern synthetic varnish of some description and as is often the case , not particularly well done. It could well be though that the previous owner has done the best he can , given the machine may well have been in poor cosmetic condition when he received it. Other signs are the case handles which came out of the factory with a nice dark ' antique 'lacquer finish , but have now have been cleaned back to bare brass ; I'm not sure the wooden base board is original as the wood colour and the profile of the moulding does not look quite right. The ID plate with its serial number , which also acted as the gear cover , is missing , and there is some mysterious white dust all over the place, which could well have come from a replacement friction wheel ( of a wrong possible resin type of material ) now fitted as a replacement for a missing or damaged original amber friction - wheel as part of the mechanical amplifying mechanism ( not shown in the photo ) which are usually non -operational in this model due to age - related degradation of the vital
operating parts. Also , although its not a big deal , the drive belt has been replaced , which suggests this has come from a collector,who maybe ' had a go' at restoring this machine , but only got so far. It is currently offered for sale at an UK auction on January 21st. CAVEAT EMPTOR !

[phonogfp]

This thread illustrates an excellent lesson. When asking a question about a machine, the OP really should mention whether it belongs to him/her, or if a purchase is being considered. In this case, the OP asked only for identification. Dulcetto pointed out the obvious flaws, and while reading it I was squirming - - feeling bad for the OP - - but then Dulcetto mentioned that this machine is coming up for auction. Whew! I'm glad these things were pointed out prior to the sale.

Another thing to check with BCs is the condition of the fiber gear. And of course, you want to be sure the entire Higham reproducer is there. One missing part can cause a major problem.

As Dulcetto so aptly warned, caveat emptor!

George P.

[Gramtastic]

Hi George. I hear what you are saying but if something is coming up for auction (especially on a small island like the UK where we don't get many phonos for sale) it is not always a good idea to alert every other collector to it ........

[phonogfp]

Point taken.

One might simply state that you're considering a purchase, and not mention whether it's an auction or private sale.

Alternately, if a person intends to collect for a long period, one might invest in quality books that show and describe a wide variety of phonographs. In this way the person would not be dependent on others to identify machines for him.

In any event, I'm still hesitant to point out flaws in machines shown here on Forum - unless requested by the poster.

Best wishes and good luck - -

George P.

[Marco Gilardetti]

Hi George. I hear what you are saying but if something is coming up for auction (especially on a small island like the UK where we don't get many phonos for sale) it is not always a good idea to alert every other collector to it ........

As you have learned by this thread, nothing goes unnoticed on eBay, at auctions, etc. So it's pointless not to speak out. Uncomfortable threads like this are the only result.

By the way in my opinion UK is the second best gramophone market in the world right after the USA. If you really think that you don't get many phonos for sale there, I suspect you never really experienced what a scanty market is.

[Gramtastic]

I thinks some people need to take a chill pill..... I only posted a photo of a machine and asked what model it was !!!

[Marco Gilardetti]

Contrarywise, I totally agree with phonogfp that it's absolutely essential, when asking advice/hints, to clarify wether a gramophone is of own property, for sale somewhere and possibly never to be purchased, or under repair for a customer in a professional shop.

Everybody here give advice/hints for free, but it should be obvious that the level of commitment will be different in case a young lad who just inherited his grandma's gramophone asks for help, in case it's just the curiosity of a moment, and in case a professional that should know his job and will make money out of his repair service asks for hints.

All of those who read your post, excepting Dulcetto who was also following the auction, thought that your message was equivocatory. If I were you, I would think over what I did and learn for the future, and would absolutely refrain from suggesting other people to take drugs, which is possibly the most impolite thing that one can write.