A Tale of 2 (very close, but not completely identical) tabletop Grafonolas

[Zenger]

Greetings. I have two tabletop Columbia Grafonolas that are almost identical but not quite, and I'm wondering if someone can tell me the difference between them. Let's call the one on the left A and the one on the right B. Both use the same motor, motor plate, tone arm and reproducer. Here are the differences:

1. B is labeled "Type D-2" at the bottom of the decal; A does not indicate a model name anywhere.

2. The decals, ad you can see, are placed differently inside the lid; I believe the decal on B is slightly larger.

3. A and B have slightly different lid styles, as you can see in the third picture. (Look closely at the curved, flared bottoms of the lids.)

4. As you can see in the same picture, B is very slightly taller than A.

The plaque in the last picture is on A.

Are these both D-2, or is A a different model? Which one is earlier? Are there any other differences?

Thanks!

[mrvic2]

Not too familiar with Columbia machines, but I am nearly certain the plaque on the last pic is a dealer tag. doesn't add to the rest of the differences, just means it was sold in a different store.

[Granby]

I have always had a soft spot for Grafonolas, so I will venture an educated guess ["opinion"]. If memory serves me correctly, the D-2 style naming system came into use in 1918. D-2 was the table model, like yours..... There were also E-2s, G-2s, etc., etc. They were floor models. Some of the floor models were very similar but carried different price points based on the record storage option [record ejector system vs. regular shelves]. A slight variation in this option would change the price and the model would then have a different model number, H-2 for example.

In my opinion, your table model that does NOT have the D-2 designation would "pre-date" this model naming system or come after. Personally, I would guess it slightly pre-dates 1918 because the decal is larger and placed up in the center of the lid, similar to Grafonolas of the early teens. But, again, this is just my opinion, good luck in your quest! I will follow this thread because I am curious what others think.....