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Trying to figure out approximte date and model for this Columbia. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks! CLIFF

Based on illustrations in The Columbia Phonograph Companion, Volume II, it appears to me to be a Grafonola Model C, introduced in 1918 at $47.50.

Clay

FloridaClay wrote:Based on illustrations in The Columbia Phonograph Companion, Volume II, it appears to me to be a Grafonola Model C, introduced in 1918 at $47.50.

Clay

Thanks! It is available at an antique store and I'm tempted to pick it up. Seems to be all there and it works fine. CLIFF

I saw this online recently
A matching pair ? were they original
Columbia Grafonola, c.1920's, decorative antique cabinets, matching pair w/built-in phonograph, Rare model,

Yes. One of Columbia's "Period" Grafonolas, introduced 1919 and fairly rare. It looks to me like the same machine, one picture with doors closed and one with them open. A matching pair would be rare indeed.

Clay

I found the original link ! Described as apair ! Presumably one was a record storage cabinet ?


http://www.icollector.com/Columbia-Graf ... e_i9442339

WOW Somebody got a just incredible bargain on the Period Grafonola(s)!

Clay

CDBPDX wrote:Trying to figure out approximte date and model for this Columbia. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks! CLIFF

Looks a lot like their $50 "Favorite". I have one in Oak.

Nice little machine; watch-out for seized/broken tone-arm / reproducer joints and flaking governor weights (machine will run "fast").


De Soto Frank

De Soto Frank, I have a Columbia client machine that runs way too fast even with the speed control adjusted to the maximum slow setting. Do you think the problem is flaking governor weights as they do look pretty cruddy white looking?? They also look like they are ready to crumble although they are totally intact for the time being.....

briankeith wrote:De Soto Frank, I have a Columbia client machine that runs way too fast even with the speed control adjusted to the maximum slow setting. Do you think the problem is flaking governor weights as they do look pretty cruddy white looking?? They also look like they are ready to crumble although they are totally intact for the time being.....

Brian,

I wouldn't be surprised if that were the case with your machine. I would have to have the speed needle adjusted way past the "slow"end of the scale (maybe ½-¾ inch) to get things to run at 78-80 RPM. My weights ( originally round with an ovoid cross-section ) looks like they have "exploded", but the shell is still there - they are chalky-white and crumble if touch.

There is an adjustment where the speed needle mounts on the governor control shaft: a little set-screw through the side of the collar on the speed control lever. I got mine set where the turntable was running 80 RPM according to a strobe disc, then removed the turntable, noted the position of the slot in the end of the governor control shaft, held that with a screwdriver, then gently loosened the set-screw a bit (careful: there's a spring underneath - loosen too much and the speed lever pops-off!), and moved the speed lever to the 80 RPM mark (center) while holding the shaft with a screw-driver. It is a bit fiddly, but I got it fairly close.


One of these days, I will send-off to Wyatts for new weights/springs.

Frank