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Featured Phonograph No. 89 - Columbia BGT

Posted: Thu Aug 08, 2013 12:29 pm
by Valecnik
Maker: Columbia
Model: BGT "New Sovereign"
Years: Introduced in 1907
Original Cost: $70 with nickel horn, $80 with Symphony Mahogany, $85 with Spruce
Case/Cabinet size:
Turntable/Mandrel Size: 6 ½ inch
Reproducer/Soundbox: #11 or #12 (not sure)
Motor: Quadruple Spring
Horn Dimensions: 21.5 inches long 21 inch diameter
Repro Parts: none
Current Value Mint:
Interesting Facts: see below
Favorite Characteristics: See Below

Two & four minute machine set up to play standard cylinders as well as the six inch Columbia cylinders. A row of oiling tubes accessible on the back side of the bedplate make it possible to oil the machine without lifting the top works up. The Symphony mahogany horn was available from 1909 as well as 2 & 4 minute gearing. Given that this one is identified as a "BGT" stamped on the side of the upper works and on the paper tag under the lid, it probably dates from 1909 or a bit later.

Re: Featured Phonograph No. 89 - Columbia BGT

Posted: Thu Aug 08, 2013 12:38 pm
by Le0
that's one pretty machine, thanks for showing! :D

Re: Featured Phonograph No. 89 - Columbia BGT

Posted: Thu Aug 08, 2013 12:50 pm
by Valecnik
I got this machine with the spruce horn however some time back I purchased the symphony mahogany horn from another member here so I could change them from time to time. Not sure which I prefer.

In the second to last picture you can, if you look closely see "BGT" stamped on the upper works.

Re: Featured Phonograph No. 89 - Columbia BGT

Posted: Thu Aug 08, 2013 12:59 pm
by Valecnik
One last picture to show the backside, back bracket drilled right over that nice decal...

Re: Featured Phonograph No. 89 - Columbia BGT

Posted: Thu Aug 08, 2013 1:47 pm
by howardpgh
Valecnik has some beautiful machines! (Judging from his various postings on TMF)

Re: Featured Phonograph No. 89 - Columbia BGT

Posted: Thu Aug 08, 2013 2:02 pm
by schweg
That machine is magnificient! As for the horn, well, I like the Spruce Bruce....

Also, I like the Featured Phonograph posts more than most anything on this Forum, thanks for taking the time and effort to do such a nice display. OK, maybe iron the bed sheets before you hang them up next time but other than that, it's great... (just kidding of course)

Steve

Re: Featured Phonograph No. 89 - Columbia BGT

Posted: Thu Aug 08, 2013 2:07 pm
by Valecnik
schweg wrote:That machine is magnificient! As for the horn, well, I like the Spruce Bruce....

Also, I like the Featured Phonograph posts more than most anything on this Forum, thanks for taking the time and effort to do such a nice display. OK, maybe iron the bed sheets before you hang them up next time but other than that, it's great... (just kidding of course)

Steve
Steve, the bed sheet issue became a bit of a standoff. I suggested they should be ironed too. "Others", one in particular, was not terribly supportive and well.... :oops:

Re: Featured Phonograph No. 89 - Columbia BGT

Posted: Thu Aug 08, 2013 2:55 pm
by HisMastersVoice
Beautiful machine! I personally prefer the spruce horn, it really makes it pop. Thanks for sharing!

Re: Featured Phonograph No. 89 - Columbia BGT

Posted: Thu Aug 08, 2013 3:05 pm
by gramophone78
Bruce Spruce, Bruce Spruce.....Spruce Bruce, Spruce Bruce....... :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:. Sounds like a protest chant.... :lol: :lol:. Steve.....we are going to be scrutinizing your sheets...when the time comes..... :o :lol: :lol:.

Re: Featured Phonograph No. 89 - Columbia BGT

Posted: Thu Aug 08, 2013 3:36 pm
by Raphael
Just got a similar one as part of a big collection:

Image