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I have been away for awhile simply because no machines have come to my attention. Now I sit here with 2 Columbia Grafonolas in need of repair/restoration.
First item, I surfed the internets looking for a page detailing model breakdown, manufactoring dates, etc on Grafolnola players.....no luck there. Is there a website existing that would have that info????
So I am turning to the resident experts here to help in identifying the machines that I have (see attachments) and I thank you in advance.
Both machines appear to have the same malady -- insert crank, begin turning and the springs will not wind. They look to be 3 spring motors albeit different years of production.The tone arms have different elbows. Of course you can see the difference in the motor base plate construction and the cabinets styling.

Hi Steve,

They both appear for be Columbia "Favorite" or "50" machines.

These would have been roughly equivalent to a Victrola VIII or IX table-model, although the Victors are more stout in alomst every aspect.

The lighter machine on the right, with the round motor-plate is earlier, probably 1914-1916.

The other one is probably 1918-1920-ish ?

They can be decent players...


Beware of seized joints in the tone=arm elbow & reproducer mounting.




Frank

The Grafonala ion the left is a Model 50 or a Favorite. You can tell by the columns and the fluted lid. These were made between 1911-1918. The later case like this one was made starting in 1914. The second model is a Model D. These were the successor to the the Model 50. The Model D was made from 1918-1925 or '26.
Harvey Kravitz

Thanks again for the help. I have since found some images on the auction site and it looks like the Model 50 cabinet is tiger maple with the Model D a mahogany cabinet. I forgot to post that the Model D also has Factory No.5 and D-2 stamped in the bottom of the cabinet, while the 50 has the remainder of a large label on the cabinet bottom. Also it appears that the top of the cabinets are veneer pieces. If so, I'll need to replace the tiger maple piece.

Steve,

As usual, Harvey has the bestest info...


The lighter machine looks like quarter-sawn oak ("Golden Oak"), don't believe Columbia offered maple.

The flat sections are veneered.

I have an earlier "Favorite" in Golden Oak, with the Victrola-style doors over the horn.


I am fond of Columbias, enjoy yours !


Frank

Frank, Thanks for the kind words.I got my information from the Columbia Dick Companion. It really helps.
Harvey Kravitz

De Soto Frank wrote:Steve,

As usual, Harvey has the bestest info...


The lighter machine looks like quarter-sawn oak ("Golden Oak"), don't believe Columbia offered maple.

The flat sections are veneered.

I have an earlier "Favorite" in Golden Oak, with the Victrola-style doors over the horn.


I am fond of Columbias, enjoy yours !


Frank