WANTED: Grill for a CRYSTOLA Phonograph

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Jonesey
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WANTED: Grill for a CRYSTOLA Phonograph

Post by Jonesey »

I would to purchase a grill for my Crystola. The cabinet is Oak. Thanks.

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phonolamplighter
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Re: WANTED: Grill for a CRYSTOLA Phonograph

Post by phonolamplighter »

Congratulations on owning a Crystola. These are fascinating with the 'mirror' tone chamber.

Depending on the model you have, the grill will be different. Here are a few possibilities:
crystola,grill (copy).jpg
crystola,grill (copy).jpg (27.99 KiB) Viewed 1246 times
crystola grill detail.jpg
crystola,tmw,11-17,p68.jpg
crystola,news ad,apr1917.png
crystola,news ad,apr1917.png (236.36 KiB) Viewed 1246 times
We have some information on the company, if you would like to read or have a copy, send a PM.

We also suggest doing a search on the Forum, there is someone that can make replacement grills if a used original is not available.

All the best,
Ed and Nancy

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Granby
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Re: WANTED: Grill for a CRYSTOLA Phonograph

Post by Granby »

I did a little digging a while back on the Crystola, too, just for fun... It's an interesting history! From what I could tell, the run with the Knabe Bros. (formerly of Baltimore) didn't last long and Dr. Swing reorganized as The Crystola Co., Ltd.... I won't step on anybody else's toes or research but it is a unique story...

Currently, I own one of the early Knabe-Crystolas and one of the later ones under the name, The Crystola Co., Ltd. I don't know for how long, I am currently thinning the collection to devote to my Granby research. As for the grill in the Crystola, I have a gut feeling the original poster may want to plan on making one based on the great information provided above by the kind forum member. Off brand phonograph grill templates might be hard to find...
- Chris
Licensed Funeral Director (NC/VA) Historian, Collector, Enthusiast.....

Author of: Norfolk's Greatest Home Furnishers: The Story of Phillip Levy & Co. and The Granby Phonograph

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Curt A
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Re: WANTED: Grill for a CRYSTOLA Phonograph

Post by Curt A »

Personally, if I owned a Crystola, I wouldn't want the grill installed since it obstructs the unique horn...
"The phonograph† is not of any commercial value."
Thomas Alva Edison - Comment to his assistant, Samuel Insull.

"No one needs a Victrola XX, a Perfected Graphophone Type G, or whatever you call those noisy things."
My Wife

Kirkwood
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Re: WANTED: Grill for a CRYSTOLA Phonograph

Post by Kirkwood »

CrystolaPhonographJerryDonnell.jpg
CrystolaPhonographJerryDonnell.jpg (29 KiB) Viewed 1211 times
Here's another one, this was at the auction of the household and collections of late local collector Jerry Donnell, some years back.

Jonesey
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Re: WANTED: Grill for a CRYSTOLA Phonograph

Post by Jonesey »

These are all great examples. Thanks. I have had several grills made for other players however I am looking for an original If I can get it. The oak cabinet is in great shape so finding one of the grills that came with the unit initially is desirable. Maybe someone will point me toward a source to purchase from.

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Granby
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Re: WANTED: Grill for a CRYSTOLA Phonograph

Post by Granby »

I am going to continue to follow this thread as I would like to know if a source of this type exists, too. Should I come across one, I will post....

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