The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

The other day I was at an auction. A decrepit talking machine hit the bock. I have no picture to post but the machine was definitely a Columbia or a Columbia derivative. There was no logo or decal anywhere on the machine, but the external horn was definitely a fairly common Columbia product. It screwed into a Columbia horn elbow. The elbow was the slip in kind, not the sort you see on the Standard Model A or other derivatives. I think the machine was a derivative because, instead of mica, the reproducer used an aluminum diaphragm. (Sheble?) Did Columbia sell a machine under its own name with an aluminum diaphragm? Were any derivatives sold with no decal or other indication of retailer? Assuming the machine was all original (which I believe is the case) and the oak surface is also untouched (also believe this to be the case), then why no logo or decal? If no known case of a machine with no decal or other indication of manufacturer/distributor, then I guess I conclude the surface had be touched and the decal removed. However, I saw no indication of this.

Perhaps this thread and the threads it links to could shed some light on your question?

http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... =2&t=24590

Best wishes, Mark

Thanks, Mark. I read through the thread and its links. What I saw at the auction was none of the machines pictured therein, but it was definitely composed of Columbia parts. It's sometimes hard to tell if a machine has been refinished, but I believe what I saw the other day was an unmarked Columbia derivative possibly with that lightweight pillar-and-plate motor inside. It was a plain jane. The top was not hinged, nor did it appear to be screwed down. The only access to the inside seemed to require the bottom board to be removed. It was not a homemade job. If it left the factory with no logo or plate, then that seems odd to me as the incremental cost of adding a decal would be small, or so i think. But that's what I believe I saw: a low-priced machine with no maker or retailer mark on it. Well, maybe that's not news to some on the Forum, but new to me.