The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

52089 wrote:The Edison is/was a C-150 Sheraton, a common machine and precursor to the very similar S-19. It's a good workhorse machine; mine has been my primary Edison player for several years. I doubt yours is worth fixing up, except perhaps as something to learn on.

I like the record cabinet very much!

Thanks Yes, the Edi is definitely not worth restoring but, it has some good parts. The reproducer seems fine except for the string or whatever connects between the sound bar and diaphragm is broke. The diamond appears to be OK. I figure its worth at least $20.00 by itself.

The Columbia is an excellent candidate to restore. Please don't part it out. These machines came out about 1912-15 or so. There are 3 versions of this machine, though they are similar. First is the Columbia BWT with the profile decal. These had the H & S petal embossed horn. That's the version I have. It's not unusual to see this machine with the larger 8 petal flower horn. The speed control was on the top of the case.These came out around 1912 or so. The next version has no decal or label. These were a client machine sold by Sears, Montgomery Ward, Speigal or a furniture with the label of the store. The next version is the Royal that came out in 1915 or so. This had a brass Royal label on the front of the case. It also sported the stubby peacock and feather horn. The motor is a tiny, puny single spring pillar motor. It looks odd to see such a tiny under powered motor in a large case. Properly tuned, they can play a single side of a 10" record. These motors were the staple of the inexpensive Colombia and Client machines. They were made in Germany until WWI began. Through the teens, when these motors were used up, production stopped. Also, open horned machines fell out of favor. With the machine you have, if you can show the motor, we can look in our parts to see if we have the speed control. For the horn, anyone of the 3, I mentioned will be correct. You did great getting these machines. these projects will keep you bust and provide lots of fun.
Harvey Kravitz

Harvey, thanks for taking the time to post this very useful information! I thought about restoring it but dont really want to invest the money into doing it. It has a few issues. There is a dent in the tone arm as shown. The reproducer appears to be in excellent condition. The top veneer has been peeled off, and, the brake, start=stop assembly is gone. The motor does run though and sounds OK. Of course it runs wide open right now. The wood under the top veneer actually looks good and could be sanded and finished as-is. Ive had a few PM's from people wanting this machine but noone has come back with an offer. I would rather pass it along to someone who wants to restore it. I am not going to part it out. It will be sold as one unit. here are some more pictures.

The record cabinet really in the gem of the day in my opinion. It cleaned up really well and is now home to my newly acquired Edison Standard D (Thanks Jerry B.). The record ejection system works perfectly and none of the 100 arms are broken. Does anyone know anything about this cabinet? It came with 51 records. About 20 of them are 12" Victor one-sided record in excellent condition. There are about 20 10" Victor batwings and the rest are Columbia's, Bluebird, and MGM.

The Columbia is the best machine in my opinion. It looks to be mostly there and highly conservable. Screw-in horns can easily be had. You may be missing the brake/speed control rod. Wait it out and get the parts. It's worth it.

Just edited this. I see you had this discussion with Harvey, so never mind!

jboger wrote:The Columbia is the best machine in my opinion. It looks to be mostly there and highly conservable. Screw-in horns can easily be had. You may be missing the brake/speed control rod. Wait it out and get the parts. It's worth it.

Just edited this. I see you had this discussion with Harvey, so never mind!

Well, I might regret it someday but, someone made me what I think is a fair offer for it so, its going to a new home.

What is a fair offer?

Curt A wrote:What is a fair offer?

Respectfully, I'd like to keep that between me and the buyer. I hope you understand.

I was surprised when I opened up the other Columbia. Someone installed a Garrard motor. This phono will be parted out. Not much value as it is even when restored but someone might need that motor. Still havent identified the other phonograph but, it appears to be a budget model of some kind. The motor is really cheezy looking.
Here is the Garrard motor........