Wanted: Columbia AH Travelling Arm, Support Arm, Etc.

[FellowCollector]

Any help in locating parts I need for my early model Columbia AH would be appreciated. Pictures below reflect the raw original condition of the parts I would like to replace to complete it. It's obvious that some buffoon long ago dropped something heavy on the parts and that was that. In addition there are a few other parts that are missing. I will probably try a high grade 2 ton epoxy to attempt a temporary repair for the arms if no leads develop. I have a plethora of original trade items or will consider purchasing outright.

I am seeking these (original or decent reproduction) Columbia AH parts:
(1) travelling arm (approx 14 ¾ inch overall length)
(2) support arm (approx 9 ½ inch measuring from cabinet bracket to end of arm in installed position)
(3) longthroat needle bar assembly (some buffoon long before me broke off the end - see picture)
(4) brass bell horn with either leather elbow or brass type
(5) cast iron turntable

Note: Purchasing through eBay would be a last resort which is why I wanted to try here first. There is no real hurry - just would love to complete it as I can find the parts. The remainder of the machine is actually quite nice and it runs perfectly with an unusually quiet motor for the early style, notoriously noisy, horizontally positioned 2-spring Columbia disc graphophone motor.

Thanks, in advance, for any help or leads.

Doug

[Phonofreak]

Doug,
The reproducer can be repaired with a needle bar that you can get from Ron Sitko or Dwayne Wyatt. With careful fitting, I think the arms can be repaired using JB weld 5 min. epoxy. Make sure the contact areas are clean using alcohol.
Good luck,
Harvey Kravitz

[OrthoSean]

Hmmm, I think I saw this FS on Craigslist some days back, I suspected you got it!

Sean

[FellowCollector]

Doug,
The reproducer can be repaired with a needle bar that you can get from Ron Sitko or Dwayne Wyatt. With careful fitting, I think the arms can be repaired using JB weld 5 min. epoxy. Make sure the contact areas are clean using alcohol.
Good luck,
Harvey Kravitz

Thanks Harvey. For whatever reason I've never had any luck with using JB Weld on anything. It has never held up for me. But I might end up trying a different adhesive (2 ton epoxy) as a temporary repair until I can locate the appropriate parts. I suspect that an attempted repair with any sort of epoxy will not withstand the stress from the weight of the horn but it's worth a try if I cannot turn up the parts. I sent a message several days ago to the Smiths who used to make the arms but have received zero response from them. Hopefully someone here will have something I can use. Thanks again for your input!

Hmmm, I think I saw this FS on Craigslist some days back, I suspected you got it!

Sean

Hi Sean, Yes it was me. I have always admired the early model AH with its top mounted speed control and its unusual motor. The first one I ever saw was at "Doug" Anderson's. His was really nice and unlike most of his collection that he kept in the old schoolhouse, the early model AH he always displayed in the house. I can recall his making a point to show me that fascinating motor all those years ago. Ah, those were the days. Anyway, if you hear of anyone who might be able to help me complete this I would be sincerely appreciative.

Doug

[OrthoSean]

Yes, I remember Doug's AH, as I recall, it was in the hallway just inside the house! I remember he played an electric Victor of "I faw down and go boom" on it when he demoed it for me! God, that was over 20 years ago!

JAS antiques on eBay probably has most of what you need (they bought out the Smiths from what I understand). I'm sure a horn will turn up eventually.

I would have gone after this more aggressively, but front mount machines just aren't machines I play since they're so rough on records.

Good luck!
Sean

[FellowCollector]

Thanks for your reply, Sean! That is exactly where I remember Doug's early model AH being displayed as well. It's funny that he would have played an Orthophonic Victor on that early machine! Do you remember how he used to keep record binders in the back of the schoolhouse sorted by recording artists and genre? I can remember going through the binders that were labelled "Comedy" or something like that and finding lots of Billy Murray and Collins and Harlan. And his display case with many different Uncle Josh recording labels. And how about the Vogue Picture Records he affixed through their spindle hole to the ceiling of his workshop adjacent to the schoolhouse. Ah, those were good memories. He was always willing to help you if he could. I can remember his very first old phony get together for collectors in the Fall of 1990. It was great fun and everyone attending signed a log of what they brought to trade and sell during lunch. At the second Old Phony get together in Fall 1991 someone had brought a beautiful Edison Gem model C with its original Gem morning glory horn and crane for only $350! Like a blockhead I never bought it! And I'm still looking for one 22 years later! Anyway, thanks again for your reply.

Doug

[estott]

In a VERY old issue of The Talking Machine Review (Sean has my copies) a UK collector explained how to repair the traveling arm by drilling holes into the pieces and inserting wire nails to act as reinforcing pins with epoxy. I'm not too certain that this would work - drilling into the castings was risky enough back in the 1970's and the stuff has had 30+ years to become more brittle.

[FellowCollector]

In a VERY old issue of The Talking Machine Review (Sean has my copies) a UK collector explained how to repair the traveling arm by drilling holes into the pieces and inserting wire nails to act as reinforcing pins with epoxy. I'm not too certain that this would work - drilling into the castings was risky enough back in the 1970's and the stuff has had 30+ years to become more brittle.

That does sound risky but it may be worth a try if all other options fall through. The way I see it I have really nothing to lose since the arms I have are already broken - although the breaks are clean and the pieces meet perfectly. I will try a heavy duty epoxy first if I can't find the arms I need. I have a number of those old Talking Machine Review issues as well. I'll look to see if I have that particular article. Thanks for your reply.

Doug

[cweastlick]

Doug,
Did you ever finish your restoration of you AH?