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How do I know if my new Columbia B (Eagle) is complete?
I am new to this forum, although I have been casually collecting old phonographs since I was in elementary school. (1960s)
I recently got this machine and it appears complete.
I compared it to some pictures in older posts and I wonder if mine was meant to have a belt cover on it. Mine has the long tag on the on the front edge of the wooden baseplate, but there is no evidence of the the other tag that shows the serial number and machine type. No nail holes or shadow etc.
I know it needs one of the nuts that holds the machine to the base. Are there supposed to be any kind of washer between the machine and base?
Of course it has the flat key, reproducer, and lid.
When I figure out how to - I will post some pictures.
Howard
Columbia B questions
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howardpgh
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Columbia B questions
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Last edited by howardpgh on Thu Mar 14, 2013 6:38 pm, edited 4 times in total.
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phonogfp
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Re: Columbia B questions
Hello Howard, and welcome!
All B Graphophones had a belt cover. There are some variations in the covers themselves, but the covers were provided on all of these machines. You'll see a tiny hole above the belt, and another tiny hole below it - that's where the cover's screws were secured.
It's possible that your B never had a data plate with the serial number. This happened when someone bought a $10 B, then decided to purchase a wooden cabinet for it ($2). Once assembled, there would of course be no data plate. If this is the history of your example, the serial number should be stamped on the edge of the metal baseplate in the back.
The metal baseplate was originally cushioned from the wooden base with a rubber washer at each bolt.
George P.
All B Graphophones had a belt cover. There are some variations in the covers themselves, but the covers were provided on all of these machines. You'll see a tiny hole above the belt, and another tiny hole below it - that's where the cover's screws were secured.
It's possible that your B never had a data plate with the serial number. This happened when someone bought a $10 B, then decided to purchase a wooden cabinet for it ($2). Once assembled, there would of course be no data plate. If this is the history of your example, the serial number should be stamped on the edge of the metal baseplate in the back.
The metal baseplate was originally cushioned from the wooden base with a rubber washer at each bolt.
George P.
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howardpgh
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Re: Columbia B questions
Thanks George P
I drove myself buggy eyed looking for that serial number!!
Still can't find it. So what edge is it on??
Howard
I drove myself buggy eyed looking for that serial number!!
Still can't find it. So what edge is it on??
Howard
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phonogfp
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- Location: New York's Finger Lakes
Re: Columbia B questions
Now Howard, I didn't say the serial number was on the edge... Only that it might be!
From the photo you provided looking from the rear, I don't see evidence of a number. That doesn't necessarily mean there's no number on your machine - only that it doesn't seem to be where this one is below. (NOTE: Only Eagles that were originally sold without wooden cabinets will have their serial numbers stamped as shown below!)
Your machine may be a mystery, Howard! Personally I like mysteries...
George P.
From the photo you provided looking from the rear, I don't see evidence of a number. That doesn't necessarily mean there's no number on your machine - only that it doesn't seem to be where this one is below. (NOTE: Only Eagles that were originally sold without wooden cabinets will have their serial numbers stamped as shown below!)
Your machine may be a mystery, Howard! Personally I like mysteries...
George P.
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- On caseless Eagles, the serial number was stamped into the rear edge of the baseplate and on the belt cover.
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- On caseless Eagles, the serial number was stamped into the rear edge of the baseplate and on the belt cover.
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howardpgh
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Re: Columbia B questions
George P,
Thank you for your help with my Col. B. Since I see no serial number on machine or case, can I assume it might be a marriage between a good wooden case and a machine that was in a bad case. Or someone had a loose machine and an extra nice case. I think this machine was part of someone else's old collection. A picker friend found it for me.
How hard is it to find a belt cover and screws for it?
Howard
Thank you for your help with my Col. B. Since I see no serial number on machine or case, can I assume it might be a marriage between a good wooden case and a machine that was in a bad case. Or someone had a loose machine and an extra nice case. I think this machine was part of someone else's old collection. A picker friend found it for me.
How hard is it to find a belt cover and screws for it?
Howard
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phonogfp
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- Joined: Wed Jan 07, 2009 5:08 pm
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- Location: New York's Finger Lakes
Re: Columbia B questions
You're very welcome. I have a thing for Eagle Graphophones...howardpgh wrote:George P,
Thank you for your help with my Col. B.
How hard is it to find a belt cover and screws for it?
Howard
As for the belt cover and screws, you could try Croakinfrog on eBay or place an ad in the Yankee Trader section of this forum. I expect there are a lot of junker Bs out there. I'll keep my eyes open for you.
Good luck!
George P.
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phonogfp
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- Posts: 8080
- Joined: Wed Jan 07, 2009 5:08 pm
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Re: Columbia B questions
Check eBay item 190814971199howardpgh wrote: How hard is it to find a belt cover and screws for it?
Howard
George P.