Columbia Grafonola Model 239

[skygod516]

I have a Columbia Grafonola (console) model 239. It's missing its legs. I have scoured the internet looking for someone who may have a set. However, I am finding that this aprticular model was not very common. The tag on the bottom says it was made in factory #40 on 1 November 1923. It has the hide away doors. It needs a bit of cosmetic work but the mechanical aspects work fine. Is there anyone who knows where I can find a set of legs or know some one who can make a set?. There are a few pictures on this website of what the legs shouls look like. I have a large collection of 78s from some of the great artists such as Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, Andrews Sisters, Tommy Dorsey, Jimmy Dorsey, Glen Miller, Benny Goodman, Doris Day, Frank Sinatra, Ethel Merman, Charlie Spivak, and a whole lot more! I'd like to be able to listen to them in the manner in which they were originally intended, but I need the legs for my machine. Anyone out there have a set or know where I can either buy a set or have a set made? I've been looking for six months with no luck. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[brianu]

legs or no legs, you should still be able to play your records just fine on it - unless it has mechanical issues as well.

why don't you post a few photos of it?

[alang]

I also have a 239, which is missing a few of the little square decorative moldings on the front, that's why I always keep an eye open for them. There was a complete one on eBay the last few weeks, first for $50, then for $25, but local pickup only far from where I live. I just looked but couldn't find it anymore. It was not listed as model 239, but just as victrola or phonograph. So they do show up once in a while, but since there is no model number on it, they are not easy to find. Do you have the earlier model with the two doors, or the later one with a fold down door in front of the horn? Here are some pictures of my model 239: http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... 743#p26743
Good luck!
Andreas

[Phototone]

Most of the artists you list in your post made records too late to safely play on a 1923 player (of any brand).

[alang]

There is a very cheap Columbia Grafonola Model 239 on eBay right now (not from me). Pictures are not great and it's listed for local pickup in Greenville, RI. Might be worth having a look.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1930s-Phonograp ... 3f11041e39
Andreas

[estott]

I have a Columbia Grafonola (console) model 239. It's missing its legs. I have scoured the internet looking for someone who may have a set. However, I am finding that this aprticular model was not very common. The tag on the bottom says it was made in factory #40 on 1 November 1923. It has the hide away doors. It needs a bit of cosmetic work but the mechanical aspects work fine. Is there anyone who knows where I can find a set of legs or know some one who can make a set?. There are a few pictures on this website of what the legs shouls look like. I have a large collection of 78s from some of the great artists such as Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, Andrews Sisters, Tommy Dorsey, Jimmy Dorsey, Glen Miller, Benny Goodman, Doris Day, Frank Sinatra, Ethel Merman, Charlie Spivak, and a whole lot more! I'd like to be able to listen to them in the manner in which they were originally intended, but I need the legs for my machine. Anyone out there have a set or know where I can either buy a set or have a set made? I've been looking for six months with no luck. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Those records should not be played on your machine, it's at least 20 years too early. They were meant to be played on an electric machine with a light arm.