Zonophone Royal Grand & Columbia AJ Top Wind

[Jerry B.]

On our recent trip to California I actually purchased three outstanding machines. In addition to my Christmas gift Victor M I was fortunate to buy a Zonophone Royal Grand and a Columbia AJ top wind. The Zonophone is in incredible original condition. I am delighted to add a machine of this condition and quality to my collection. I didn't do anything but give it a dusting and a spot in the basement. The AJ was a little different. I actually thought there was something applied to the brass bell. I tried a rag with a little lacquer thinner and that didn't touch it. Next I tried a little paint remover with no luck. Paint remover does not work well in low temperatures so I brought the horn into the utility and applied remover to a small area and let it sit overnight. The results were disappointing. I could only think that the brass was oddly and horribly tarnished. Finally I tried lemon juice with a healthy addition of salt applied with 0000 steel wool. The results you see represent at least an hours effort first with the lemon juice & salt followed by traditional brass polish applied with a cloth. The AJ cabinet was an easy cleanup with GoJo followed by wax. Overall it was a great trip to California.

Jerry Blais

[fran604g]

Those are 2 very beautiful machines Jerry! Congratulations. Man, if I'm ever in the Pacific NW, I'd love to visit you.

Merry Christmas,
Fran

[epigramophone]

How interesting to see such a high quality machine from the American branch of Zonophone, and in such wonderful condition. What a find!
In the UK this great name was dragged through a series of uninspired designs to become just a budget HMV.

[startgroove]

Nice! Drooling here.

[Jerry B.]

Man, if I'm ever in the Pacific NW, I'd love to visit you.

Merry Christmas,
Fran

It would be an honor for you or other Forum members to visit. I'd love it. Jerry B.

[Roaring20s]

You are on a roll!
Three great phonographs on a single outing.

James.

[gramophone-georg]

Jerry- NICE AJ top wind- early with the leather elbow, even! I was hunting one for years, never had success. Great to see you got one!

[JerryVan]

Does the horn on the Zonophone screw in like a Columbia?

[Jerry B.]

Does the horn on the Zonophone screw in like a Columbia?

The horn is obviously made by the same company that made horns for Columbia. Yes, it screws in to the Zonophone elbow but the threads appear a little different. I'll try it in a Columbia elbow in the next day or two but don't expect it to work.

Jerry

[phonogfp]

A couple of beauties, Jerry!

Congratulations!

George P.