The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Although financially my best buy of 2013 was the red leather HMV102 won for £40 in my local auction room, the most interesting was the Columbia No.2a pictured below. It was the last open horn model the company ever made.

In late 1928 Columbia launched their Plano-Reflex machines for the 1929 season, and perhaps surprisingly they included an open horn model in the new range. There cannot have been a great demand for such a machine as late as 1929, but at a modest £4.15s.(the same as the No.112a portable)it may have appealed to those who appreciated the superior sound of the open horn.

My example, the only one which I have ever seen, was originally supplied by Smyth & Co's Music Warehouse of 85 Donegall Street, Belfast. After crossing the Irish Sea it eventually ended up in the Roger Thorne collection, and at the famous sale in July 2011 it was purchased by Norman Field, from whom I acquired it in October 2013.

Norman restored the mechanical elements to good working order and I have carefully conserved the original finishes. Those who like their machines to look better than new will say that it has seen better days, but I prefer to say that it has enjoyed a long and active life.

Now let's hear about your most interesting acquisitions of 2013, and meanwhile may I wish you all a happy and peaceful 2014.

Roger.

Nice machine ! I have never seen another it must be really rare !

That sure is late for a horn model and then came the stock market crash. That must put an end to its production. I do like the copper patina of the horn. An attractive phonograph.

As far as my acquisitions go, I am very pleased with the Magnetic Dancers phono toy I bought this year. Those two never tire!
Also, The Planets 78 rpm set conducted by Holst. I had wanted that for years and finally obtained a clean set.

Happy New Year!

James.

Roaring20s wrote:That sure is late for a horn model and then came the stock market crash. That must put an end to its production. I do like the copper patina of the horn. An attractive phonograph.

As far as my acquisitions go, I am very pleased with the Magnetic Dancers phono toy I bought this year. Those two never tire!
Also, The Planets 78 rpm set conducted by Holst. I had wanted that for years and finally obtained a clean set.

Happy New Year!

James.

As I am sure you know, the first performance of the Planets Suite was conducted by Holst's friend Adrian (later Sir Adrian) Boult, who my wife and I were lucky enough to see towards end of his long career in the early 1970's.

He always conducted the first half of the opening concert of the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra's "Industrial" season, which at his instigation was aimed at ordinary working people. All tickets cost the same price, and one could end up anywhere from a box to the front stalls.

Happy days!

My most interesting acquisition of 2013 was a SPANISH HMV Monarch with Art Nouveau cabinet design. When restoration of the horn is complete I hope to share pictures of it here.

I was exceedingly fortunate this past year, to acquire a 1902 French Edison GEM Model A-3.
According to conversations with Jean Paul Agnard & Tim Fabrizio, this is only one of two known.
It is in need of a new mandrel and motor, which I have already acquired from a donor machine.
Any help in acquiring a small Pathé crank and an 8" by 10" spun aluminium GEM horn would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You, Bob S.