Restoring a Columbia Grafonola - any info or assistance?

[Bestdj]

Just about to begin restoration of my Columbia Grafonola. Any suggestions would be welcome. Also anyone who can tell me the model/year or any other info on this unit:

[Lucius1958]

From what I can tell, it looks like a "Leader" (1914-15), or its successor, the "85" (1915-18?)..... although, as it's a Canadian model, it may have had another designation.

Bill

[Reid]

It is identical to my first collectable phonograph, yes, it is a model 85, I suppose,

mine came to me, via my grandmother's brother, after his death. It belonged to his mother,

and she got it new in 1918. The model is neat and remarkable for three reasons: The venetian doors in front of the horn,

and the ingenious and well-working Columbia automatic shut off at the end of the record play;

it does not require a run-out eccentric groove. And the typewriter-key record selector, storage bay below.

I hope to have one of those Columbias again some day, as mine was lost long ago in a move.

[CoastalShooter]

From a newbie
I have just acquired one that looks almost identical to the one you have pictured. This is my first post on the forum and could use some help as well. I found my unit at an estate auction and was planning to resell for a profit (hopefully). The more I study these machines, the more I think I will restore this one and keep it. If someone could tell me more about this unit I would appreciate it.

On the plate under the record platform is:
No A19750
A.M. Graphophone Co.
Bridgeport, Conn.
USA
Patt. App. For

Inside the cabinet lid is: Columbia Graphonola

The cabinet is tagged:

George A. Sweeney
Fine Furniture
Attleboro - Mass

[David Spanovich]

It looks like it will be a worthwhile restoration project.

I don't know if you are new to the hobby or not, but if you don't already have a copy, you might want want to get "The Compleat Talking Machine" by Eric Reiss, which is available from most well stocked booksellers, including Amazon.

The book is extensively illustrated and walks you through most repairs you're likely to encounter. It's really a must-have for experienced collectors as well as those just starting out.

...end commercial...
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In the photo you provided, I spotted what look like record ejector buttons at the bottom of the record compartment. I agree with Bill's post above that this could be a model 85, which was introduced in 1915. The cabinet dimensions are 41 ⅞ inches high, by 19 inches wide, by 21 inches deep--identical to the model 75, which did not have ejector buttons.

DS

[Covah]

Strip out mechanics then refresh wood finish with Danish oil, not Restore-a-Finish, and 0000 steel wool. Give it an aggressive scrubbing then rub with Howard's Restore-a-Shine polishing compound, it will take out the microscopic scratches from the steel wool. Finally coat with Howard's liquid wax to restore luster. Be sure to let the wax dry for DAYS or you will just wipe it back off.

If tonearm does not swivel let us know, that is a common problem.