The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi everyone, thank you for allowing me to join this forum.

This is my first post and prompted by one of my Columbia Grafonolas. This is my floor standing machine and I’m hoping that someone can help me identify and date it. Not sure whether it is a British or American machine as it does not a “made in” badge on it. It does have an American No.6 soundbox which made me doubt whether it was a British model 25a (which should have a no.7 soundbox I believe). One clue is the serial number under the turntable, which is a five figure number prefixed by ‘L’. Can anyone help?

Definitely made in the USA

Thanks Victor. Any idea of model/date?

That boxy style of the cabinet reminds me of the models introduced in 1924. (page 212) But, I would have to see the style of the lid to be sure... At first glance, I thought of the models run from 1914ish to 1918, just prior to the E-2, F-2 model designations. But, they're more curvy.

Can you take a picture with the lid closed? I see your dilemma, it isn't the normal Grafonola you see at antique shops and on craigslist. Just different enough to be fun....

Source: Baumbach, Columbia Phonograph Companion Vol. II

Thanks Granby, I hope this image helps.

Can it be dated from the No 6 soundbox. I have found from most of my reading that by the early 20s machines appeared to be fitted with later Columbia soundboxes/reproducers.

Also is there anywhere a database of serial numbers or an index that might identify the ‘L’ prefix?

1918 1919

1920 1921 Model L2

The models from 1924 seem to have a different mechanism to adjust the doors to the inner horn? But I also agree that the Grafonola models from 1918 have more curvy legs.
All this said, I could not find this machine in the above mentioned book after checking twice, if it is not a model with wheels, where the wheels have been removed. I did not check these models too well....

Thanks everyone.

It’s definitely not the L-2 as this has a different shaped lid and a button to control the louvred flaps. Although the L-2 does have straight legs.

It looks much closer to the E-2 but the cabinet is slightly the wrong shape. I have scoured the web and cannot find anything similar with the simple styling and straight legs (other than the British model 25a). There is no sign of it ever having casters.

The top, ie turntable, reproducer, speed control and start and needle pots are identical to the pre-WW1 D-2.

So we think it is definitely American and possibly pre-1920 but we can’t pin down the type.

Can anyone do anything with that serial number?

Turntable layout.