The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

We picked this up yesterday at an estate sale, and last night did some internet research. It took us a while to establish that this is probably a model 125E. It seems completely original except for the power cord. However, a couple of questions came up. One, is the turntable supposed to be that bright green velour? Second, why are there two holes through the cabinet on each side of what is normally the crank escutcheon location? (We compared the holes to those on an escutcheon from another Columbia, but the holes on this cabinet are closer together by about ⅛ inch.)

The bright green turntable velour is correct on your Grafonola. I have a similar walnut Grafonola with the same turntable covering. Not certain about the case holes.
Mike

The green velour covering on the turntable is correct. The crank hole escutcheon shown is wrong and was swapped. The holes on the sides of the escutcheon look filled. It is supposed to be elongated with tabs with holes similar to a Victrola escutcheon. I wonder if the original spring motor was swapped out for an electric type??
Harvey Kravitz

Thank you Mika and Harvey.
The holes haven't been filled, it is just light reflecting back out of the holes. The electric motor seems to be correct, since we compared to a spring motor version and the motor opening and mounting holes are completely different between the two. Hence, there is no evidence the electric motor was swapped in. The dark round knob like object where the power wire enters the cabinet appears to be of material similar to bakelite, or a black ceramic material. I note that in the picture shown on page 137 of "Columbia Phonograph Companion, Volume II", there is a similar looking knob. What is there on this one may be correct, but so far does not explain what the two holes are for.
Any other ideas? Cheers, Russie.

The holes are puzzling, if we are to judge by this example of a similar Columbia electric.

Pana,
Thank you very much, that helps a lot. Unless some other explanation comes up, I'm going to assume those holes don't belong there.