Columbia 10 portable?

[Steve]

I've just acquired this Columbia which has a metal case and the early winding design. Is it definitely a No. 10 as I suspect?

Also, what is the idea behind the strange cut-out section of the lid to create a raised half circle where the handle rotates?

[jamiegramo]

You will have considered this but perhaps the raised half circle is to cover the winding-handle when folded flat? The knob would be pointing inwards. When the machine is locked the winding handle could not be stolen.

[Steve]

You will have considered this but perhaps the raised half circle is to cover the winding-handle when folded flat? The knob would be pointing inwards. When the machine is locked the winding handle could not be stolen.

Pure genius. That's both you and the original design! You are quite right, thank you, it does fold backwards and stows away inside the case before the lid is shut, even though the handle cannot actually be removed from the machine. It is a really clever design and not one I've ever encountered on any other portable. I hadn't been rotating it correctly and felt some resistance so didn't wish to put pressure on a very fine mechanism. As a result, I hadn't thought of it, so thanks again!

[jamiegramo]

Steve, I think you are correct, it is a No.10 as it has an all metal case. The No.10a had the wooden case and the No.110 was longer. I like these opening louvres portables.

[Steve]

Steve, I think you are correct, it is a No.10 as it has an all metal case. The No.10a had the wooden case and the No.110 was longer. I like these opening louvres portables.

So it is exactly 100 years old this year! I'm really pleased with it as the case is almost immaculate save for the surface rust on the lid catch and it all functions well. I do already have a 110 in my collection.

[jamiegramo]

Steve, congratulations on your latest find. It looks like a really good example, just a few screws to replace. The winding handle is pretty unique to this model. Will you be looking for the wood version of it?

[Steve]

Steve, congratulations on your latest find. It looks like a really good example, just a few screws to replace. The winding handle is pretty unique to this model. Will you be looking for the wood version of it?

Probably not seeing as I now have the 10 and 110 which are quite different. The 10A (wood version) is sort of a halfway house model. Then again, never say never, if I saw a good example that was inexpensive, the temptation might be there!

[Inigo]

How beautiful and engaging are this Columbia portables...! Does it sound well?

[Steve]

How beautiful and engaging are this Columbia portables...! Does it sound well?

I certainly like them. It sounds very good for its period but I haven't directly compared it to the HMV 100 yet, its closest contemporary.

[Inigo]

I only have a Columbia 113a, the old version with tonearm support bracket. Very beautiful, and with a powerful warm deep sound.
But watching several models on YT, I feel that the best sounding Columbia portable is the 202. I've seen some of these in my life, but never bought one, because all them were broken by the tonearm junction... the classic problem with that machine.