The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello,
Does anyone recognise this machine, and do you think it is a legitimate one? It look a lot like a Columbia 113a, with a 202-like tonearm and a needle tray like in the hmv 102. Also, take notice of the color and the wooden parts.
Thanks,
Ray

It is a legitimate Columbia, made for export market. I have one quite similar, that was made in China.

Thank you Carlos. I might be able to get this one.

I had one similar to this several years ago and it was a great machine. The reproducer and tonearm in your picture look to be Viva-Tonal and made from brass... If so, they are very well made and sound great with the sound reflecting from the wooden record holder...

It's a Columbia 220. I have an identical one, and it's a superb machine. Padded on the top and base, and weighs a ton!

Phono48 wrote:It's a Columbia 220. I have an identical one, and it's a superb machine. Padded on the top and base, and weighs a ton!

That's right, calling it a "portable" is a stretch ... sounds good, though, and has a very good motor.

Phono48 wrote:It's a Columbia 220. I have an identical one, and it's a superb machine. Padded on the top and base, and weighs a ton!

Did you find any official catalogue information about this specific model? If not, I would refrain from calling it a 202: although it is a legitimate Columbia gramophone, as correctly observed by Ray in his first post it is made by a mix & match of parts coming from 113a, 202 and 102 models.

Marco Gilardetti wrote: Did you find any official catalogue information about this specific model? If not, I would refrain from calling it a 202: although it is a legitimate Columbia gramophone, as correctly observed by Ray in his first post it is made by a mix & match of parts coming from 113a, 202 and 102 models.

Marco, you didn't read my post correctly. I didn't say it was a 202, I said it's a 220. Here it is, with the model number clearly printed on the identification tag in the lid.

Sorry, my fault!

Your unit is in outstanding conditions. Are they the result of an intense and challenging rehaul, or did it came to you as-is?

I see that also the unit in topic has a tag, which is unreadable in picture. I wonder if it also reports the model number, just as your does.

No problem!

The outside fittings have all been re-plated, but the interior is as I bought it, apart from a good clean and polish.

I would think the model number would be shown on the ID tag of the first machine, all these "colonial" models seem to have the same type. Some are in celluloid, as mine is, but others are in brass.

Barry