What's this peculiar machine on eBay?

[Cody K]

I hesitated about whether this question should have gone into the "Machines" forum, but figured it would be more appropriate here since I do want to include a link to the auction. This machine seems very unusual to me as I don't think I've seen one like it. It looks to be original and quite early. Can anyone identify it? Thanks.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/321677750996?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT

[OrthoSean]

It's legit - a Columbia open works machine. I can't recall the model number, though.

Sean

[Mr Grumpy]

Don't know about the machine, but if you wanted to hang it from your wall it handily comes with a nice brass hook.

[52089]

It's legit - a Columbia open works machine. I can't recall the model number, though.

Sean

I think that's the Columbia AA. IIRC, the Standard AU is the same machine with a wider spindle.

[De Soto Frank]

It is the rarer- than - rare "Rain-Catcher" model... the optional cistern attachment is missing though...

[De Soto Frank]

" I don't know what this piece is, but I know it is very collectible. "


Gad, what astounding powers of deduction !

[Curt A]

It is definitely a Columbia AA... but is missing the extremely hard to find (and expensive) drop-off crank. The crank alone, if you can find one is $150+... This machine also needs a total cleaning and restoration and since the seller obviously knows nothing (horn standing straight up is a dead giveaway), I wouldn't trust him/her to pack it and ship it correctly...

The brass hook-like thing is most likely an oar lock from a wooden boat and may be a gun hanging hook, since it is lined with something...

[Curt A]

Don't expect a bargain, since for whatever reason, there seems to be a bidding frenzy going on - 10 bids with 4 days left... not a good sign for a potential buyer. This "bidding" activity is crazy, since the likelihood of any of these early buyers actually getting this is slim. The guy who gets it won't bid until the last 5 seconds...

[Cody K]

Thanks for the ID, gentlemen. I'd still be googling if it weren't for you. Am I correct in guessing that this was produced in the late 1890s-circa 1900 time frame?

On preview: Yeah, the last few seconds of the auction will be interesting with this. If the seller really doesn't know what he/she has, which seems clear, I think they may be in for a surprise. Quite the opposite of those sellers who list and re-list more common machines at high starting bids only to wonder why no one's interested.

[De Soto Frank]

1902-05-ish.

This model is one of the first Disc Graphophones.