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I'm working on an article covering the AH Graphophones, but I'd like a better idea of production numbers, if possible - especially for the late AH (as pictured far below). To that end, I'd very much appreciate surviving serial numbers for the various versions of the AH. If you have one of these great machines, please fill in the following blanks either in this thread or via PM. Also please send me your name if you'd like to be acknowledged in the article.
(All photos from the Internet)
EARLY AH

1) AH in EARLY style cabinet w/pillar & plate motor (offset crank, as above). Serial number:

2) AH in EARLY style cabinet w/cast iron motor frame (centered crank, as above). Serial number:

LATE AH

3) AH in LATE style cabinet (as above).
Serial number:

4) Type of arms on late AH (see illustrations below for reference) (arabesque decoration; solid "COLUMBIA" lettering; pierced "COLUMBIA" lettering):


TYPE OF TRAVELING ARMS (pay no attention to the cabinets below):
Arabesque: Solid "COLUMBIA" lettering: Pierced "COLUMBIA" lettering: Thanks for your help!

George P.

Hi George,

My all original, early style AH has the following attributes: no decals; no fiber gears; record hold down; leather elbow; early, unmarked "concert"-style reproducer.

1)--- No serial number present.
4)--- Arabesque arms.

Bob Coon

Thanks Bob.

I remember we corresponded about 10 years ago about the very earliest-of-the-early AHs. I know of a couple of other very early examples that apparently have no serial numbers. I still can't quite believe it.

It took me a long time to find the serial number on a late AH I acquired last fall. I'm sure others will have better eyes and be more resourceful than I was...

George P.

Those early AH's had tiny serial numbers stamped on the edge of the motor plate. They are often difficult to see.

I have three of these AH machines.
1. The first one I have is an early one with an off center crank. There is no record hold down, like the earliest ones. The turn table is either aluminum or pot metal. The arms are solid with the curly-cue designs as shown on the second picture. There is a banner decal like the first picture. The leather elbow is a reproduction. The horn is 21" long with an 11" bell. The reproducer is the earlier Analyzing with the thumbscrew along with the 1886 patent date.

2. The second one I have has the earlier case, but with the typical cast iron 2 spring motor. The turntable is the thin cast iron type. There is also a banner decal, too. The arms are the shorter embossed Columbia ones to accommodate a 21" horn with an 11" bell. and brass elbow. The reproducer has the 1886 markings, but with a lever.

3. The third one I have has the later case similar to a Columbia BI. It has the longer arms that are filigree with Columbia on it. It has the fancy cradle. The horn is 22" with a brass elbow and a 13 ¾" bell. The reproducer has the 1905 makings on it. The turn table is the thin cast iron type.

All of my Columbia AH's have the fancy carrying handle.

I'm looking forward to the article.
Harvey Kravitz

Thank you, Harvey.

Could you supply a serial number for each of your machines?

Also, is the traveling arm on the late cabinet type SOLID lettering or PIERCED?

George P.

George, I have to find the S/Ns on mine. On the late AH, I should have said pierced, not filigreed.
Harvey Kravitz

George,
Here are some pictures of my AH. It is strange that the inside of the case has wood and felt added. I wonder if the owner did this to deaden the motor noise? This machine also came with an old instruction paper. I believe the serial number is 31651. The support arm and tone arm look original to this machine. Good luck on your research!!!
See you in June.

My early style AH, with offset crank, is s/n 17258. It has a leather elbow.
The the traveling arm is the solid style, no script, arabesque version.

Thanks Phono-Phan and JerryVan for your information!

George P.