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I just got a Columbia BI Sterling. Ive seen several configurations of decals and carrying handles. Mine has no carrying handle, the scroll decal on the crank side, and the medallion on the front. Can anyone place this one? Is it earlier? Later? It doesnt have the volume control either.

Thanks

#2

Here are some pictures of my BI Sterling. Same decal placement. No carrying handle - not sure I've ever seen a handle on a BI. I too have wondered about the slight variations in Columbia machines. Not sure what they all mean. To the best of my knowledge, no one has ever catalogued or written about the quirkiness of the Columbias. Any experts or references out there?

There is Robert Baumbach's excellent book "Columbia Phonograph Companion Volume II", which covers the Columbia Disc Graphophone and the Grafonola. It's been out of print for a while, but shows up on eBay regularly.
Regarding the "handle" question; page 84 shows model "Champion (BH)" which shows a handle on the picture. The text says "Not all versions offered the carrying handle ...".
Page 85 shows the "Sterling (BI)" but does not show or even mention a carrying handle. Actually, models AH, AJ, and BH seem to be the only ones with carrying handles, at least according to the pictures.
Hope that helps.
Andreas

The one I have does have a handle on the opposite side from the crank.

Steve

alang wrote:There is Robert Baumbach's excellent book "Columbia Phonograph Companion Volume II", which covers the Columbia Disc Graphophone and the Grafonola. .....

Not intending to hijack this thread, however, I recall hearing someone comment once at a phono show that Baumbach's book was not respected by others in the field. Someone else in the conversation agreed. I don't know what was behind the comment as I have a copy and find it a fairly useful reference.

Anyone know what is behind this sentiment? It is legit or just sour grapes?

Brad wrote:

alang wrote:There is Robert Baumbach's excellent book "Columbia Phonograph Companion Volume II", which covers the Columbia Disc Graphophone and the Grafonola. .....

Not intending to hijack this thread, however, I recall hearing someone comment once at a phono show that Baumbach's book was not respected by others in the field. Someone else in the conversation agreed. I don't know what was behind the comment as I have a copy and find it a fairly useful reference.

Anyone know what is behind this sentiment? It is legit or just sour grapes?

Perhaps they compare his Columbia book to the wonderful Victor books he did. Understandably, there is no comparison but we are lucky to have it.

It is also somewhat lacking compared to the Columbia cylinder book by Mr. Hazelcorn but really does have some useful information on various disc models.

Interesting topic! I have a BI with late decal, no turntable ring or Dolcher, and Analyzing reproducer. I've seen a photo of at least one with the Grand reproducer; I'm not quite sure when Columbia switched over.........

You can see mine in action on my YouTube channel......