What a Steal! Columbia AG Graphophone for $399.00

[Zwebie]

Was anyone in our group the lucky "buy it now" bidder for this Columbia AG Graphophone?
$399.00 WOW! I guess the seller didn't have a clue as to the value of this machine.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Early-COLUMBIA- ... 7675.l2557

[phonogfp]

What? No reproducer, horn or crank?

George P.

[gemering]

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[NEFaurora]

Yeah, I saw that one before it closed.. I would assume that the "Concert" format is what scared most people and average collectors away from it. Only a real Die-Harder would most likely buy a Concert format machine. It's a nice machine nonetheless.. I agree! - especially for the price..!

Tony K.

[FloridaClay]

I must have been asleep at the switch when this one rolled by!

Does this one have the removable outer large mandrel with the standard size one underneath?

Clay

[phonohound]

Hi Clay;

The model you are referring to is the type AF. The AF is considerably rarer and much more valuable and has a nickeled bedplate. I have seen them priced in the $7000 range. The AG will have a black-enameled bedplate.

The first model HG, 1899, will look a lot like the AF, with the nickeled bedplate, but does not have a removeable mandrel. These can sell for $2500 - $3000, maybe more if in mint condition.

AF Photo: http://farm1.staticflickr.com/165/35811 ... a1e5_z.jpg

Scott

[phonogfp]

The AG will have a black-enameled bedplate.

The first model HG, 1899, will look a lot like the AF, with the nickeled bedplate, but does not have a removeable mandrel.

The first of the AG models also used a nickeled bedplate (as shown in the eBay listing). The second of the AG models used a solid aluminum bedplate. The third and most common AG used a black enameled bedplate.

George P.

[phonohound]

George;

What was the real difference then between the early AG and the first model HG?

[phonojim]

Only a real Die-Harder would most likely buy a Concert format machine.

Not among the collectors I know. Many of them have at least one. I've owned 2 AGs along with 25 original cylinders, but sold them off some years ago. A clean original concert cylinder played on a properly restored and adjusted machine/reproducer with a large horn will blow your socks off compared to the same selection on standard diameter brown wax. The much higher surface speed of a 5" gives much greater volume and sound quality. The only problem with owning one of these machines is the cost of cylinders which will put a serious dent in your wallet.

Jim

[phonogfp]

George;

What was the real difference then between the early AG and the first model HG?

Just the data plate!

The first AG appeared (April 1900) as Columbia introduced a new HG - - the one with six mainsprings in a larger, more ornate cabinet. The new, larger HG retained the price of the old one: $100. The price of the "new" AG (really the old HG) was $75, making it the lowest-priced 5" machine then available. In September 1900, the AG's price was finally reduced to $50, and it acquired the black enameled bedplate.

George P.