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http://www.ebay.com/itm/1898-Columbia-G ... SwPYZU6O7c


I have seen this desk for sale, for quite awhile. With no bids. Also there is no machine inside.

That seems misidentified... the top two drawers beneath the desk surface are basically where the motor would go. Is this just a desk that someone has messed around with?

I believe this is a Hawthorne & Sheble aftermarket cabinet. I'm not sure if this is for a Columbia Graphophone or for Edison phonographs. Also, I'm not sure if this is for standard or concert cylinders. It looks like a virgin cabinet waiting for the correct mechanism.
Harvey Kravitz

You're right, Harvey. This is a Hawthorne & Sheble "Grand" cabinet. The hole for the mechanism has been filled, and that can be a problem depending upon what sort of glue was used. Getting that plug out could easily splinter the original "writing" surface if not carefully removed. The mechanism hole looks like it might be for a Type C Graphophone, but it's hard to tell. It could be for a larger Edison machine, but without seeing it in person, it's impossible to know for sure.

There is also a good deal of trim work missing, which could be duplicated with molding clay and epoxy, but staining/finishing that stuff is tricky. The original wooden pegs are missing, but the mounting holes are there to show that it was made for standard-size cylinders.

I've considered this cabinet myself, but its current location, the amount of work necessary to restore it, and my wishing to simplify my life have conspired to discourage me. It's been for sale for over a year, so I guess I'm not the only one.

George P.

Thanks for the info, George. When I saw the filler wood, I thought it was virgin giving the owner a choice of mechanism. When you pointed out the missing trim, I can see why it hasn't sold yet. Guess what, I learned that from one of the 8 books I own. I can't remember which book, though.
Harvey Kravitz

This is why I come to the experts. Although, I personally would not spend $3,000.00.

Hello. I haven't been on the forum in a while, and just came across this discussion of my H&S Columbia Parlour Cabinet from some time ago. As I can not pass by something without setting it straight, here I go.

First off, this Hawthorne & Sheble cabinet was advertised as The Columbia Parlour Cabinet (not "desk", not "grand"). It came in two sizes; one for standard cylinder records and one for the grand 5" diameter records. If nothing else you can tell by the spacing of the holes in the bottom of the drawers, which one it is. These holes were there so you could screw down the holders. Contrary to the comments made, the top drawers did have space for cylinder record (on the exterior sides of the drawers. If you'll notice, the drawers are not only divided in half (front to back-wise), but also the interior sides are cut lower to accommodate the spring motor of the machine you place in it. These cabinets are well documented in Columbia advertisements around the turn of the century (1900). As for the phono cut out, it can be removed easily without damaging (or splintering) the surrounding wood (exacto knife). A Graphophone C would not fill the cut-out, however, you could always dress up the surrounding surface with trim (to cover any exposed left-over opening) so it could fit any machine. The only issue would be with the positioning of the crank to align with the hole on the right side of the cabinet. Regarding the applied decorative molding, it is not that hard to reproduce; I've never had time to.

As far as the length of time this cabinet has been on eBay. I've given up counting how many times I've had it sold, only to be told that I would have to store it for 3 weeks, or longer. It is an exceptionally rare piece and I thought more collectors knew that, but then again, I've been collecting since 1974 and I act like a little boy every time I come across something new that I did not know prior. I hope you don't mind me setting the record straight. Thank you and happy collecting!

Edisonfan6156 wrote:As far as the length of time this cabinet has been on eBay. I've given up counting how many times I've had it sold, only to be told that I would have to store it for 3 weeks, or longer. It is an exceptionally rare piece and I thought more collectors knew that, but then again, I've been collecting since 1974 and I act like a little boy every time I come across something new that I did not know prior. I hope you don't mind me setting the record straight. Thank you and happy collecting!

Is storing it for a time while someone make arrangements an issue? I don't understand how that could possibly keep a deal from going through.

Dan

Edisonfan6156 wrote: First off, this Hawthorne & Sheble cabinet was advertised as The Columbia Parlour Cabinet (not "desk", not "grand").
These cabinets are well documented in Columbia advertisements around the turn of the century (1900).

Indeed they are. Here are a few examples:

From November 1898: From November 1899: From Fall 1900: From July 1901: From late 1902/early 1903: ...And every one of those Columbia catalogs calls that cabinet a "Grand."

As I mentioned in my 12/26/16 post, I have considered this cabinet. It's well worth restoring, and I think your price is reasonable or I wouldn't have considered it. Unfortunately, I live about 300 miles away, I don't need any additional projects, and I don't know where I'd put it once I had broken all those Exacto knives.

Some time ago I encouraged a friend to purchase the cabinet, but evidently we're in similar circumstances. I must admit that if it were located nearby me, I would probably succumb... But I'd still have nowhere to put it.

Best wishes,
George P.

Not sure the X-Acto knife idea is a great one, but an Oscillating Multi-Tool with a fine tooth wood blade, a plunge saw or a hand operated undercut saw would work well to remove the unwanted portion of the top without damage or splintering. Besides, a multi-tool is a useful one to have for many other purposes...