The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I am kinda, sorta thinking about possibly adding an early style Columbia AH (the one with the fancier case) to my collection. What would you think would be a reasonable price for a nice one?

Clay

Depending on condition and original parts, $900 and up. The earliest ones with the off center crank, record hold down, and metal bedplate are more.
Harvey Kravitz

The fancier cabinet came with several variations of the earliest motor (2 horizontal mainsprings and off-center crank)combined with a threaded spindle/record nut and an aluminum turntable. Expect to pay around $2000 for one of these in decent original condition. However, the fancy cabinet was also offered with a later motor (more commonly found) with 2 vertical mainsprings (centered crank). These are around ½ - ⅔ the price of the very early models in decent original condition. The third style AH whose cabinet lacks the beaded trim can be found for a bit less than $1000 in decent original condition if you're lucky and patient.

AHs are great machines. I wrote an article about them a few years ago in The Sound Box. Here are a couple of photos of mine. This one has an optional oversize horn and extended arms.

Good luck in your search!

George P.

Thanks much Harvey and George. The one I was considering, from a very reputable dealer, is priced at $1,499--a firm price I expect--with a 2 hour drive to pick it up. It is the second iteration of the fancy case model with the more common motor. It looks to be in very nice condition, but that seemed high to me.

I think I will likely just wait and see what shows up at the Orlando show in January.

Thanks again!

Clay

George,
The elbow on your AH is most interesting. Is it the same elbow used in an Englewood Musicalphone with a flowered horn? I've been looking for an elbow like that one. The only elbows I've seen for a Columbia is the typical brass one. What is it made of? Is it a press fit or does it screw in?
Harvey Kravitz

Harvey, I'm not sure if it's the same elbow as used on the Musicalphone or not. It's made of aluminum and threaded with a very fine thread.

George P.