The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

The tiny Columbia Marvel - was it sold as a childs phonograph, a give away, or just a very cheap small entry level phonograph?

Give-away

It was a give-away or a premium. You had to buy so much goods at a store. Or, these were given away selling magazines subscriptions, seeds, or other items.
Harvey Kravitz

I was watching one on Ebay sore and finally sell for just under $250 which I thought was incredible! Looks like the tiny book shelf phonographs (my favorite) are retaining their value or actually rising in value (?)

I was following this auction, too. This machine looks especially nice. These are pretty scarce machines, because they were usually tossed after they quit working. There are not too many survivors. The cabinet was made of either Bass Wood, or Poplar. Then it was finished with Mahogany stain with varnish, or shellac. They were very cheap, rudimentary machines. I think the price was very fair. I wonder if these were made in Oak?
Harvey Kravitz

I think my little Columbia AP cylinder phonograph ( no feed screw model ) was also a premium / give away machine (?) I guess you're right, not many decent survivors out there....

Congrats!! Great machine. Could you show us a picture of the motor sometime?

Thanks,

Steve