What Model Grafonola did I just buy?

[De Soto Frank]

So to try to roughly equate Grafonolas to Victrolas ( table-model ), the "Jewel" is approximate to the VV-VIII, and the "Favorite" is approximate to the VV-IX or XI table-model ?

[Cody K]

Frank, that comparison seems about right.

To further confuse issues, though, isn't the louvered version of the "Favorite" more accurately called a Model 50? I was under the impression that the designation changed when the doors did.

Skere, nice machine! The sound you get from it should be pretty impressive, once you get it fixed and tweaked -- congratulations on a good find.

[Phonofreak]

In 1912, Columbia was sued by Victor because of the doors patent. That's when they changed to the more familiar louvers. The cabinet remained the same with the offset tone arm. The machine was still called the Favorite. Around 1913 or 14, the cabinet changed into the rectangular style with the arm directly behind the turn table. It used the more familiar nickle plated bedplate. Also, it had a female crank. In 1915, the Favorite had a change in the motor and it used a male crank. Then it became known as the Model 50. I'm very fortunate to own the Columbia Disk companion when it came out. It is a wealth of information on Columbia machines.
Harvey Kravitz

Frank, that comparison seems about right.

To further confuse issues, though, isn't the louvered version of the "Favorite" more accurately called a Model 50? I was under the impression that the designation changed when the doors did.

Skere, nice machine! The sound you get from it should be pretty impressive, once you get it fixed and tweaked -- congratulations on a good find.

[Cody K]

Ah -- thanks for the clarification, Harvey. I had thought it was simpler than that.

[Phonofreak]

Sorry for being late getting back to this thread. In my previous post, I said this particular Columbia Jewel came out about 1913. It was only available in oak. Around 1914, the Jewel came with a hinged oak motor board. It was a poor design because eventually the screw holes will strip out because the wood will eventually give way, because it is so thin. This poor design was continued until the end of production. Around 1915, the Jewel became known as the Model 35, because it has a $35.00 price tag. The motor used a male crank, and this machine was available in mahogany, also. In 1918, this machine became the Model C. There was an earlier recent thread about the interchangeability of Columbia reproducers. On the chart shown, the fifth picture shows the correct reproducer you need. This early No.6 has the spring loaded retainer ring instead of the pot metal bezel on later No.6 reproducers. Keep us posted on your machine. You have a nice one and got a good price and cheaper for what it originally sold for.
Harvey Kravitz