MOCAPS meeting, 8 February, 2009

[solophoneman]

I believe Jack also explained that originally the decorative base was an extra for the Q and sold exclusively by Sears Roebuck back in the early days of production of this graphophone.

[MordEth]

I believe Jack also explained that originally the decorative base was an extra for the Q and sold exclusively by Sears Roebuck back in the early days of production of this graphophone.

Yes, I remember that he mentioned this (apart from the detail about being exclusive through Sears Roebuck), and hopefully he will post more of the information that he shared with us about these two machines—the information above was pasted from IMs that he sent to me when I asked him to refresh my memory on the models of these machines.

It’s also worth noting that his horn was original; I believe the horn photographed next to it was solophoneman’s (nearly identical) reproduction horn.

— MordEth

[solophoneman]

In reference to Jack's rare AB (MacDonald) Graphophone, I noticed that it has a shallow flat headed screw with a decorative head that actually holds the 5" telescoping Mandrel in place once it is placed over the regular mandrel. I have a Columbia AB and never realized that feature existed until I saw Jacks AB. So I am presently looking for an original holding screw, which I wouldn't hold out much chance of finding or a good reproduction if need be. Does anyone know if there is any suppliers who make such a repro for the AB?

[Aaron]

I havent been following this thread but now that i look at it....WOW did you take some good pics Dave!!
I love the columbia BC and AB i love them both and would love either one of those examples as they are the best i have ever seen!!Especialy Jacks AB his is most likly the best that exsists!!

Thanks for sharing!!,
Aaron

[MordEth]

I havent been following this thread but now that i look at it....WOW did you take some good pics Dave!!

Aaron,

A couple were not quite as good as I would have liked (sometimes I am a bit shaky as a photographer—have I mentioned recently I prefer working with pictures taken by better photographers than me, in Photoshop?), but I was definitely thinking of you when I made a point of getting some photos of that horn.

I’m definitely a better photographer with a tripod, and unfortunately, I did not bring one to the MOCAPS meeting.

Jack was far more professionally equipped for the meeting from a photography standpoint than I was.

— MordEth

[Amberola 1-A]

I'm sure Jack will be putting together a video of the meeting and it will soon be available on his site,
phonojack.com

[phonogfp]

I believe Jack also explained that originally the decorative base was an extra for the Q and sold exclusively by Sears Roebuck back in the early days of production of this graphophone.

The fancy base was indeed sold only through Sears, Roebuck, but not in the early days of "Q" production. The base was not in the 1902 catalogues, but had appeared by 1904. I don't have a 1903 catalogue to consult, so can't put a firm date of appearance to the base. But neither 1903 or 1904 was "early production" for the "Q." I believe the base was offered with the "Q" to help Sears clear out its inventory of the aging model.

The "AB" is a great Graphophone. I wrote an article on the AB a couple of years ago in the Sound Box. But judging by the frequency in which this model surfaces at phono shows, and the number I've seen in collections, I wouldn't consider it rare. Howard's rarity chart lists it as an "R-3", which estimates 150-250 examples surviving. With all respect to Howard, for a model whose production numbered around 10,000, this seems a pretty low estimate. Similar production figures existed for the Victor "VI" and the Type "BC" Graphophone - neither of which can be considered rare. In any event, the "AB" is a wonderful machine.

Pet peeve: calling the "AB" by the name of its designer! Thomas Macdonald designed many, many other Graphophones (including the "Q"!), so why did Read & Welch decide that collectors referred to the "AB" as the "Macdonald?" I've never seen this nomenclature anywhere but in Tinfoil to Stereo. It's nonsensical in my humble opinion, but I'm sure the practice will outlive me!

Here's a photo of another "AB" - - I also have a shipping crate for one! Anyone else here like shipping crates?

George P.

[MordEth]

George,

Great photo! (And I see your Columbia ‘A’ hiding in the background, oriented in much the same direction as your avatar.)

Thanks for clearing up the nomenclature—I did not know who designed these machines, and the information I posted was basically a copy/paste from Jack. It didn’t much in the way of editing to find itself posted above my pictures.

Certainly both the MOCAPS meeting and the following discussion here has been edifying for me.

The shipping crates that I have seen have been interesting (especially the one where the owner was trying to sell it and an Edison machine in it, unopened), although I wonder—how many collectors still have the original crates in which their machines were shipped?

— MordEth

[phonogfp]

I wonder—how many collectors still have the original crates in which their machines were shipped?

Funny you should ask that question! There's a 76 year-old fellow who lives about 15 miles from me. He's a very nice guy, and just getting into phonographs (!!!). I sold him a "Home" Model D in November, and he's been going great guns - he even picked up a "BF" Graphophone just down the street from his home! I cleaned up the "BF" for him and polished its nickel flower horn. When he came to get it last weekend, he presented me with a Victrola shipping crate he had just bought. Now, I don't get too excited over these; there are a surprising number of them around, and they do take up space! But...my friend has kept the original fumed oak Victrola "XI" that was shipped in it! He said, "I'm 76 and won't be around forever - - so after I'm gone, you come up to the house..." He knows I like crates (albeit earlier ones!), and I think it's something of a connection between us. At least i look upon it that way. It was certainly a generous gesture on his part - - he's a good guy. I hope it's a long time before that Victrola and its crate are reunited.

George P.

[Aaron]

i love the boxes/crates that phonos/records were shipped in but they certainly take up space!!! Never heard of a AB crate though.The only COLUMBIA shipping items i know of is a Q shipping box and a bunch of record shipping boxes.What else do you have George?Show us some pics

Aaron

P.S. Have you had a chance to get that info for me yet George?