The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Looks like a Columbia AQ. Is that horn original? What sort of problems do these machine typically have, that is, what sort of problems to look for?

yes this horn is correct I believe this version was sold through sears and roebuck. these do have issues sometimes with tracking but they are nice machines. steve

The machine you have is a Harvard Junior sold by Sears in the 1908 catalog. They are fair players. Be careful of resting the reproducer on the mandrel. There is no rest to hold the horn and reproducer. For display, I would wrap the mandrel with a piece of thick, soft cloth, so the stylus doesn't break off. This machine is more for display than for a serious player. BTW, This is a pretty scarce machine. These don't turn up very often.
Harvey Kravitz

Yes agreed! This is an original machine with the appropriate horn. The problems with these machines can be tracking issues, skipping etc. They are kinda rare and like Harvey mentioned, do not turn up very often.

Here you go...... .

Thanks for all the valuable input. I don't own this machine, but I like these cheaper models, that is, cheaper back in the day. If I can get it for the $8.75 original price, I'll go for it! A bit of a drive.