The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I have seen several desks and side table phonographs but haven't seen this one. Looks interesting and the price is right. Wish they had shown the inside works.http://www.reachoo.com/ads/73428200?utm_source=claz

Marlborough I am about ½ hour from there If I had the room and the$$$ I nab it but I am too poor & no room O well someone will end up with a bargen

Haven't seen that one either. A real deal for somebody.

Clay

It should be a radio-phonograph combination.

I would be a little skeptical the mechanics are in good shape since they did completely leave out pictures of them... That being said, I would still love to have this piece. I am thinking I better get a small storage locker in RI so I can buy a few things up I see and then take a trip all at once.

m0xiemama wrote:I would be a little skeptical the mechanics are in good shape since they did completely leave out pictures of them... That being said, I would still love to have this piece. I am thinking I better get a small storage locker in RI so I can buy a few things up I see and then take a trip all at once.

Good point about not showing the mechanism. Makes you wonder if it is there.

Clay

The Columbia Viva-Tonal Combination model 950 is an interesting and scarce machine. Offered in 1928 and 1929, after Columbia's distribution network had practically collapsed, it sold poorly, despite offering good eye-appeal and excellent value.

The radio and 12" dynamic loudspeaker were located behind the doors up in the top of the "Secretary" portion of the desk. The phonograph was in the drawer, leaving the drop-front desk section free for use as a convenient writing desk.

This machine sold for $450.00, about the same price as the Victor Electrola 7-26. The Kolster radio used in the 950 was fully the equivalent of the Radiola 18 in the 7-26, being perhaps a slightly better performer. The amplifier in the 7-26 was an anemic thing, a single '71A tube which put out about ½ watt and drove a rather squeaky little magnetic 100A speaker. The amplifier in the Columbia, on the other hand, included a powerful '50 output tube which put nearly three watts into an excellent electrodynamic speaker.

I have one of these machines, which is missing the phonograph mechanism and the amplifier, and have been searching for these parts for years so that I may complete it.

Hopefully someone will pick it up that knows what it is and it will not become a stripped out, shabby chic horror

I emailed the seller today and got additional pictures. When I asked about the radio, I was told there wasn't one. But of course, they didn't open the top doors, so who knows. I'm attaching the pics they sent in case anyone else wants to pursue.

BTW, this is in Massachusetts, not Maine...