The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

...not only rare, but it is famous, as it was featured on Columbia record sleeves which turn up very often.

Thanks, Bob. I knew that machine looked oddly familiar somehow. I think most of us have seen that particular sleeve, but here's a link to an image of it: http://www.flickriver.com/photos/crackdog/5310148225/ in case anyone reading the thread hasn't. Detail from the sleeve:
I can't seem to google up a picture of an example showing the grill. Do you happen to have a pic of your former machine handy?

I'm afraid that I do not, but as I recall it was a simple wood frame, ebonies the match the cabinet, with a plain stripe in color to match the cream of the painted car touches, whci frame was filled with a very, very fin silk chiffon bunch in triple pleats at ¾" intervals.

possibly repainted, but I'm not messing with it.