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Make: Columbia
Model: Model A
Serial #: 54727
Year(s) Made: 1896 - 1898
Original Cost: Graphophone $25 ; Grand Cabinet $50
Case/Cabinet Size: Floor Model "The Grand"
Turntable/Mandrel: Standard 2"
Reproducer/Sound-Box: #2 Eagle
Motor: Single Spring; open no spring barrel
Horn Dimensions: 14"
New Parts: Wood pegs
Current Value: *
Interesting Facts: The Grand cabinet, designed to look like a "C" roll top desk, was manufactured by Hawthorne & Sheble from 1898 to 1901. The eight drawers can hold 174 cylinders on wood pegs. When ordered you had to specify which type machine would be installed in the cabinet. This example is in dark oak, a mahogany version was also available for a few dollars more. Also a version for the Grand 5" machines was also available. When not in use the roll top can be pulled down to hide the Graphophone & a small horn, so the piece can blend in with the room furniture.

* For the "Pet Peeves" issue
This one I really have no idea of it's value, I have not seen or heard of one selling in many years. The last one I heard of was about 10 years ago for around $7,000. Today it may be higher or may be lower.














Chuck

Wow! What an incredible cabinet!

I've never owned a Graphophone so please pardon the silly question, but how does one wind the spring on this machine?
Does the cabinet have a way of reaching the crank or extending it?

Wow, Chuck, that is stunning! Thanks for sharing!

Sean

Beautiful machine Chuck. Could you post some more pics with the drawers opened, motor etcetera?

Chuck,

Absolutely beautiful.
More curves than Marilyn Monroe!

Gene

A beautiful combination, Chuck. And the A even has the early Washington-style decorations!

George P.

What a great outfit. How long have you owned it? Did you find it in the wild? Thanks, Jerry

I'm sensing a high end Columbia theme in your collection Chuck, congratulations. It's great to see this seldom seen setup, and in such nice condition, thanks for sharing.

Best Regards, Larry

Mr Grumpy wrote:Wow! What an incredible cabinet!
I've never owned a Graphophone so please pardon the silly question, but how does one wind the spring on this machine?
Does the cabinet have a way of reaching the crank or extending it?

A very long crank, there is a long tube from the right side that ends an inch or so from the winding shaft.

Jerry B. wrote:What a great outfit. How long have you owned it? Did you find it in the wild? Thanks, Jerry

About 14 years. I bought it at a local auction house.

Phonolair wrote:I'm sensing a high end Columbia theme in your collection Chuck, congratulations. It's great to see this seldom seen setup, and in such nice condition, thanks for sharing.
Best Regards, Larry

Yes, I've been on a Columbia cylinder machine quest for a while, have around 25 now.


Chuck

This is a stunning cabinet and combination! Wow!

Thanks for sharing.
Andreas