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Frank, Do you recall what model Columbia that was? Was is a Viva-Tonal Columbia-Kolster model? Those are rare! Marc.

I heard it was a 980.

marcapra wrote:Frank, Do you recall what model Columbia that was? Was is a Viva-Tonal Columbia-Kolster model? Those are rare! Marc.

Marc,

I couldn't get close enough to find a model number - there were too many guys clustered around it !

I just happen to have my copy of Baumbach's Columbia [Disc] Phonograph Companion Vol. II at my elbow, and on page 240, it shows:

"Columbia Electric Viva-Tonal and Kolster Radio Comination" model 940, in a William & Mary "high-boy" cabinet, which has the speaker and radio controls in a center, recessed panel, behind sliding doors. The radio "dial" has eight station pre-set buttons arranged in a semi-circular arc.

What attracted me from across the room was Edith Piaf, being rendered very nicely by whatever was playing it, and then I followed my ear...

It was a lovely machine, and seemed to perform very well. I would have loved to have heard it play a pre-war orchestral selection...

Had I the cash and room in the truck, I would have grabbed it...

Frank

Interesting picture of the table full of brown wax
cylinders. Any idea what kind those are which are the
very light-colored ones? They look almost white.

Chuck

I believe the light colored ones are not actually cylinders. They are pegs to hold up the cylinders.

Of course that's right. Looking a 2nd time at the
picture, it's really obvious now about the pegs.
Thanks Steve!

Was the show was a little light on machines compared to previous ones? It might seem so based on the pics.

Valecnik wrote:Was the show was a little light on machines compared to previous ones? It might seem so based on the pics.

Yes, very much so, especially larger ones. And this was the first time in a while that I didn't see even one victor schoolhouse machine. Opinions always differ, but I was a bit disappointed.

I also had the feeling that everyone was trying to keep their truck empty for the auction later the same day.

Andreas