The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Someone might be interested in the Columbia Grafanola (yes, that's how they spelled Grafonola) on Denver craigslist. It's only $150 and it looks like there is a 12" dust ring. Jerry Blais

My mistake, the price is $200 or best offer. Jerry

$150 when I checked

There are lots of nice phonographs in Denver! Theres an Edison W19 and a few others for pretty reasonable prices.

Yes, one part of the ad says $200 and another $150. That's a very early machine and shares many parts with the horn machines very similar to early Victrolas and Victors. I go through Denver on my way to Union so it's a possibility for almost anyone. Jerry Blais

That machine is the "Mignionette". I owned a walnut example som my ears ago, and must say that the tone arm and horn are very well designed. The machine plays even electric records supprisingly well with either the Symphony or the No. 6 reproducer, and if a Viva-Tonal unit is substituted the machine sounds like a Consolette.

This is a very scarce 1911-12 model I have only known of the one other example surfacing.

I can easily get it to Union. Jerry

I'm a little late chiming in. Uncle Vanya is correct. This is a Mignonette. This one is from about 1912-13. The earlier ones had doors in the front like a Victrola. Victor sued Columbia, and in 1912 went to the louvers. As stated before, this is a very unusual machine. I have a Mignon, the slightly larger and bigger cousin. These machines are very loud and clear. The cabinets are much better than the later ones. They are substantially built. There is no pot metal on these early machines. This is a great opportunity for someone to get an early, desirable machine, at a great price. It's a steal at $150.00. If I didn't have my Mignon, and had the space, I would be all over it.
Harvey Kravits

Just checked Denver Craigslist...

Machine in question is in oak. Does have dust-ring.

Can be found by searching on "Columbia Grafanola" [sic]

I bought the machine and it will be for sale at Union. I'm happy to pre-sell if anyone is interested. I thought it was too good to pass up. The price delivered to Union is $225. Jerry Blais