The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I have a late model Columbia BN that needs help. It is missing one of four corner columns, which you can see in the photo. The missing column is 5 inches long or about 12.5 cm. This is a ¼-inch longer than the earlier Model BN whose columns were 4.75 inches. I have one of these shorter ones photographed along with a Standard Model A corner column. I'd like to trade one or both of those for a 5-incher. Or? Also looking for the beaded molding along the top. Need about 5 or 6 inches of that. I have extra moulding that goes to the bottom of each panel should anyone need that. Can trade that for the top moulding.

Your best option is to contact either George Vollema, Mark Gaisser(Croakingfrog on Ebay), or Ron Haring. I believe George and Ron are in the Links section.

Hi John- I've got one you can have-- I had a sticker on it identifying it as a BN-- It is 5 ¼ inches long and ¾" wide. If that works, it's yours for postage cost. Or you could come visit and pick it up!

Brad Abell

Just looked back at your pics-- Your columns look thicker than mine. Mine is about ⅛" thick- Hmmm.. And...It's quite dirty, but I'm not sure it's oak... I may have it mis-labled--- Take a look and let me know-- Sorry-- I may have been too quick with my first response.

Brad

Grandpas Treasures will make you a perfect replacement at a modest price. Jerry B.

The BN shown in the picture is an early BN. The later ones did not have the beaded molding. Also, the later ones had a two spring motor,and a larger case. The tone arm had a bayonet fitting like the early Grafanola. This early one had the aluminum tone arm and Analyzing reproducer. If you can't get Gramps to make you one, a competent wood worker can.
Harvey Kravitz

First Brad: It really is the thought that counts. Your offer was very generous, but I'm afraid as you soon realized, the column you illustrated is from a different machine. Yes, it is too thin (mine being thicker). It is also too long to be from the same machine. Still I appreciate the offer. Thanks!

Jerry B: Another generous offer. I haven't given up hope yet to find an original corner column. I hope my two-for-one offer will induce a fellow collector to part with my needed part in exchange for a Standard Model A column and a column from a different model BN. So tell Grandpa I'm not quite ready yet to place an order.

And last (but not least), Harvey. Thanks for the clarification. Shows how much I know.

So, here I sit empty-handed but still hopeful.


John

John, If there is a good wood worker in your area, take the machine and have the wood worker take measurement and thickness. Even if you find an original from a junk machine, it may have to be trimmed or sanded down. Even thought they were made in the same factory, there are always little differences.
Harvey Kravitz

Now with a corner column. Me and Stanley No. 78 made the column cut down from an oak board. I have not glued it in yet. I may make another column. And in any case won't attach it to the frame until I match the color. That I've never done and don't much feel like getting out a color wheel. I've noticed if I hover my cell phone camera over an object, I get three numbers. I suspect they refer to the three primary colors and what proportions to mix them. Any comments with regards to matching colors are most welcome.

I'm still open to a trade for an original column.