The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Albert, you've prompted me to post a picture of one of my BI motors.

You will see a few differences that I've circled. The first is of the governor weights. Columbia used ovoid lead weights like those in my machine. The ones in your photos have been replaced. Also the machine being offered to you has a chain instead of a strut or brace that holds the lid open free of the hand holding it steady. That chain is a replacement. I don't consider either of these things that major, especially the governor weights (although the missing strut bothers me a bit). The real issue I have with your machine is the tonearm and reproducer, neither of which I think is original to a BI. I wish I could say that with certainty, but I strongly feel that they are replacements. Other than these things, the machine looks great judging by the pictures. The oak case looks in very nice condition, as do the decals. The crank is original, and the nickel horn is correct for a BI. And the nickel plating on the back bracket also looks very good. Lots of things look good as far as I can tell from the pictures.

Now price. $1500 is a full retail price in this market, at least in the States. I would expect a completely original machine for that price. But I'm in the US where these machines are more common. If you can get the price down and are OK with the departures from originality, then go for it. But I always ask myself one question before making a purchase of this nature or magnitude: what else could I buy for my money? And I don't necessarily mean another talking machine.

If you got $1500 to spend, you might want to shop around a bit more. There's more than one pebble on the beach. Perhaps someone on the Continent might have a different perspective?

John

Thank you very much to all for your comments.
Albert

Hi Gang, I have been in and out for the past couple of days and catching up with the Forum. I believe the Columbine BI shown has the later tone arm. The ones that I have owned and seen have the Aluminum arm with Analyzing reproducer. This machine shown is from about 1907-08 or so. The clue is the Columbia Disc Graphophone decal. This came out about 1907. The Columbia profile decal came out in 1908. It looks like the arm and reproducer hit the spindle at the right area. My guess is the arm was added at a later date possibly an upgrade. The nickle plating on the arm and the rest of the machine seems to match with age, so this was done a long time ago. I think it is a really nice and unusual machine.
Harvey Kravitz

I have a friend with a BII but it has the aluminum tone arm with Analyzing reproducer. I think it should have the tone arm and reproducer similar to the machine featured in this thread. Is that correct?

Is the tone arm featured in this thread a correct horn machine tone arm? Is it correct for a Col BI? Would both parties have a more correct machine if the owner of the BII traded tone arms & reproducer with the owner of the BII?

Thanks, Jerry Blais

I believe both the arms are the same size. A quick measurement of each will work. If so, a trade should be the best solution for both machines. That way each machine will have the right arm and reproducer.
Harvey Kravitz