Help dating my Columbia Grafonola

[m0xiemama]

Hi. I'm pretty knew to the world of collecting phonographs. I picked up a Columbia Grafonola L2 on craigslist.



I can find adds that have this model from 1918 to 1920 but is there a difinitive way to know? It had been a very difficult model to find information about online.

Thanks.

[Shane]

Information on Columbia machine production is scarce. It's not like the Victor machines, where detailed records survive and are available.

[m0xiemama]

That is what I figured. I guess I will have to just look at the ads to figure a date range. Thanks.

[epigramophone]

According to Fabrizio and Paul's "Discovering Antique Phonographs" page 200, the L-2 was introduced in 1918 at a price of $225, rising to $275 in 1920 and falling to $175 in 1921. It was available in Walnut or Mahogany.

Two period ads for this model are reproduced on the opposite page of this excellent book, which with it's companion volumes should be on every collector's shelf.

[HisMastersVoice]

I once owned the same machine (actually, it was my first). Yours looks much nicer, looks like you have all of the albums, too.

[m0xiemama]

Epigramophone:

Thanks for the information. I will have to look for that book. I just started collecting in the last month or so and this is my 3rd purchase.

Brandon:

Yes, it came with all of the books and they were mostly full. They are in pretty good shape too. The case is in great shape other than some alligatoring and I think I could benefit from a new turntable as it seems a little warped and a little reproducer clean up. I think it was definitely worth the $125.

[HisMastersVoice]

I think it was definitely worth the $125.

Too funny, I think mine was $125 as well.