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i just picked up a Columbia Grafanola type F-2 and a Silvertone, both need restoration although the Columbia is in better shape, how do i date these machines? is there a site that covers either? the Silvertone is in an oak case, i have $40 in both machines, either came with a crank so i dont know about the springs, both tone arms are bad, any pictures of open machines are welcome, the Columbia has push buttons to dispense the records, did they all? thanks in advance for replies

As far as I know, the Columbias with the "typewriter-key" record ejector buttons are from the Teens.

The serial number is usually stamped above "American Graphophone Co" on the motor plate; if you post the serial number, someone here will probably be able to give an approximate date.

Are your tone-arms broken, or just seized-up ?

Please share some pictures if you can...


De Soto Frank

Here's some info from another thread...

http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... f=2&t=4315

arms are broke, i will get some pictures tomorrow and post them

I can help you with the Silvertone machine once I see it - there are some details that can help to give a rough date. Silvertones were big sellers so a replacement arm shouldn't be hard to locate - they're on Ebay frequently but I'd contact George Vollema.

My own Silvertone, probably early 1920's

http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... silvertone

Per The Columbia Phonograph Companion, Vol. II, the F-2 was introduced in 1918. There is no indication of how long they remained in production, other than a note that by 1920 the price had been raised to $140, but was then reduced to $100, which was the original offering price. So it looks like they might have been produced through 1920 (unless the reduction was to clear out existing stock).

Clay

what i could find on the Silvertone: underneath the motor board there are numbers stamped in the wood 5872, the motor has a tag says SAAL motor type AA 117863, the columbia i found a number on the metal under the platter 1583271, also underneath on the casting that the motor mounts to i found C G CO 4324

Pretty bad,I think you've got $40.00 worth of parts if the motors aren't toast. A replacement arm for that Grafonola might cost you more than the machine is worth, considering the veneer issues.

The arm and soundbox for the Silvertone can be obtained but the missing fretwork grille for the front is harder to find.

Here's a nearly identical Silvertone to yours: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Silvertone-Cran ... 1e82945dad

Wow.

Both machines looks as though they spent a long time in a damp place....

The Columbia has serious delamination issues with the veneer, and maybe the base wood.

It looks as though the arm MIGHT have broken at a solder joint where the reproducer attaches, and MIGHT be repairable.

At this point, I would consider the Columbia a parts machine, and look for one with a better cabinet, maybe needing hardware, motor, etc. This particular machine can be had in working, presentable condition for $150-$300; it is probably not cost-effective to try to restore this one, given the cabinet issues...


The Silvertone might be a better candidate for refurb, depending on the integrity of the cabinet / veneer, etc.


I do not mean to offend, just offering my opinion, based on the issues I see in the photos, and my personal history with basket-case machines...

Hope you can make good out of your purchase...