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Hi I am new to the crank phonograph world but my main hobby is restoring tube radios so I figure this isn't too far of a stretch! I picked up this Columbia Grafonola and am looking for information, parts and advice!! I emailed George Vollema (Great Lakes Antique Phonograph) and he was able to tell me is either model: a35, C or D. Also apparently I have incorrect tone arm/ reproducer.

It am taking over this project after someone else tried a horrible attempt at restoration! Does anyone know if this correct decal is being reproduced by anyone? I already ordered some white oak quarter cut veneer (not paper backed!) for the top! Also was the original finish satin, semi gloss or gloss?

http://s150.photobucket.com/user/ilm75d ... Phonograph

The decal inside the lid looks perfect, it would diminish the value of the machine to refinish the inside of the lid and replace a good original decal with a new reproduction.

The original tone arms on these sometimes had pot metal elbows that broke. The tone arm is a later Columbia style.

Good luck with the project. Impressive work with the rebuild in the photographs.

New decals are available here --> http://phonodecal.com/decals/scripts/main1.php#null

Great job putting that machine back together. I'd be interested in knowing the model # as well, I have the same machine.

This Grafonola is either a late Model 35 or a Model C. If you look at the lid decal, it will say in small letters under the wreath, C. If not, it is a late Model 35. They are the same machine, but with a different designation. The Model 35 started out as the Jewel around 1913-14. The model 35 from about 1914-18. The C 1918-1925?. They are very common in Mahogany, but scarce in Oak. It looks like you are off to a good start with your restoration.
Harvey Kravitz

Thanks Harvey, just the info I was looking for.

@ilm75dodge,

My machine is also Oak and appears to have the original finish. I'm not %100 certain as my knowledge of Columbia's is limited but
I would say that it is not a gloss finish.

Thanks for the info! From the original finish that is left I am trying to decide if it is was a semi gloss or satin but I leaning towards semi gloss based on the interior of the lid.

It was a semi-gloss finish on Oak. The Mahogany ones has a gloss finish.
Harvey Kravitz

Does anyone know the correct way the wood grain should face on top of the lid? I have found pictures with it going both ways and I am a bit confused, I assume there was a specific way they did these from the factory!

The grain on mine runs from left to right (or right to left) not front to back.
The inside runs in the same direction.

As Phonofreak mentioned, this is the $35 Columbia machine, which started-out as the "Jewel". I have one in oak.

While that tone-arm is a later addition, it might be a better unit if you plan to play a lot of records on this machine.

Columbia machines are notorious for poor tracking characteristics / heavy record wear. This arm may improve that situation.


I will take pictures of the arm / reproducer on my machine tomorrow and post, for reference.


Good job on reconstructing this... they are neat machines !