The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I recently aquired what appears to be a Columbia BA , but it seems to have several "issues". This machine seems less decorated than the few that I've seen in pictures..There aren't any corner trim pieces , or motor board edge trim , although there's no sign of it ever being there..The "Extra Sonore Concert" reproducer is no doubt a replacement..The front mount looks questionable , and the horn support is wood not the usual cast metal...The horn elbo looks correct , but the horn????..So , fellows , how much of this machine is proper???...It plays well , and came under the market price...Any thoughts?

that definitely looks pieced together from various makers and models of machines. a sonora reproducer, a modified victor (?) rear mount morning glory horn, possibly a reproduction arm, definitely a reproduction support bracket (if not just a rigged assembly), the crank doesn't look right either. any shots of the motor?

Definitely not a BA-- at least not a version that I have ever seen-- Looks to be a mixture of parts. The BA has a beaded case-- The tone arm is an open hole aluminum arm (similar to a Standard X or an AU/AA) The support arm is also aluminum with rectangular "boxes" cast into the sides. I have one I'll be selling soon, but it is currently packed away- I'll post a pic when I get around to unpacking it. There is a picture of one on Lynn Bilton's site-- intertique.com Look for his section on Columbia identification. Hope this helps. I don't believe Columbia ever put a decal on the BA's-- Strictly a client machine.

Brad

That horn looks like its right for a front mount machine, but not this machine. I think there was maybe a "Harvard" or a "musicalphone" that had the front mount horn with the "edison style" scalloped panels. They are scarce. Anyone else seen these?

Unless it's some obscure European machine, I'd say 'Frankenphone'.....

Don't think I've ever seen that style of crank on a front-mount, either.

Bill

brianu wrote:that definitely looks pieced together from various makers and models of machines. a sonora reproducer, a modified victor (?) rear mount morning glory horn, possibly a reproduction arm, definitely a reproduction support bracket (if not just a rigged assembly), the crank doesn't look right either. any shots of the motor?

The soundbox is not a Sonora.

The "Extra Sonore" was made by Thorens, whose anchor trade mark can be seen on the stylus bar assembly and behind the diaphragm.

Thorens did make travelling arm machines, but the few catalogue illustrations I have seen all show metal arms.

I would agree that this looks like a "made up" job of European origin, but nicer than most.

I believe your machine is a Harvard FH, as shown in the 1907 Sears, Roebuck & Company catalog. Obviously the original crank, arms, and sound box have been lost. The crank shouldn't be too hard to find, as it was used on a number of Columbia and Standard Talking Machine models. The sound box, an unmarked Columbia Analyzing, could be found with some perseverance. Original Harvard arms will be difficult, but the fellow who bought out the Smith's business may have them. He does business as JASantiques, I think.

George P.

Thanks to all who responded to these questions , and especially to George who discovered the "Harvard" connection...It 's a Harvard all right , and JAS Antiques has everything but the crank to make it right...Just took the wife out to dinner to celebrate....