The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Can one of you experts please tell me the difference between a Columbia eagle and a B? Thank you.

The Columbia model B phonograph was introduced with a price of $10. The $10 coin at the time was called an Eagle due to it's design, hence the nickname of the machine.
Alistair.

They are both the same machine, but different names.
Harvey Kravitz

Thanks guys!

I purchased an Eagle earlier and it has an unmarked floating reproducer on it. I was told that this type is not original to that machine and that the original type has the word reproducer engraved on the back of it. Can one of you tell me please the problem with using the unmarked type on this type of machine if any? I forgot pics so I added a couple. Thank you.

A picture would help. It might be a Type Q reproducer, which is angled differently and isn't ideal for an Eagle. Or it might be one of the many European knockoffs. The latter should work fine.

The unmarked reproducer in your photos is a later "D" reproducer - - a perfectly acceptable upgrade to the original type.

Your machine has early style spring barrels, so it should carry a serial number less than about 145,000. Those mainsprings and serial number date it to no later than mid-1898; several years before the later "D" reproducer was introduced. Still, the "D" plays better than the original type "Eagle" reproducer, so even earlier examples of the Type B are often found with them. Enjoy it!

George P.