The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

This Columbia cabinet is for sale locally, and although it's been refinished, the price seems pretty right - If sourcing the proper missing parts won't have it sitting for years or breaking the bank (I can't confirm existence of the horn, upon closer inspection of the pics)....What say the group? Thanks!

Hmmm.... If this was one of the more regularly seen models of the late teens, Grafonola E-2, G-2, etc., etc., I would say the motor, needle cups, and tone arm would probably be relatively easy to locate, perhaps by utilizing a "donor machine". BUT, got to be honest, without doing a little more research, this is not a model that pops up too often in my region and doesn't look overly familiar to me. Is this one of the Viva Tonal machines of the mid to late 20's, by chance?

My gut feeling is that the parts might be a little tough to find.

However, don't take this as the final word. I can only speak to what I see in my general area. This may be a slightly more common machine in other areas of the country.

Any other opinions?

I saw one at an auction about 20 years ago and that was the only one I ever saw. It was a real nice cabinet.. They had a brunswick console also but decided not to sell the columbia. I hace wanted one ever since but not seen another.

Larry

Granby wrote:Hmmm.... If this was one of the more regularly seen models of the late teens, Grafonola E-2, G-2, etc., etc., I would say the motor, needle cups, and tone arm would probably be relatively easy to locate, perhaps by utilizing a "donor machine". BUT, got to be honest, without doing a little more research, this is not a model that pops up too often in my region and doesn't look overly familiar to me. Is this one of the Viva Tonal machines of the mid to late 20's, by chance?

My gut feeling is that the parts might be a little tough to find.

However, don't take this as the final word. I can only speak to what I see in my general area. This may be a slightly more common machine in other areas of the country.

Any other opinions?

It is a Viva Tonal, from what I can see of the decal, but I have no idea the model or year.

According to the Bob Baumbach/Mac Lackey Columbia disc phono book, it's a model 650 introduced in 1926 for $150.

Thank you all for the input - the seller confirmed the horn is gone, too.... That closes the book on it for me.

Agreed. Without a donor machine, that may prove to be tough endeavor. - Chris

Since you are going to pass, how about a link to it, and the asking price?

The wood on the doors appears to be bookmatched circassian walnut...?

Curt A wrote:Since you are going to pass, how about a link to it, and the asking price?

The wood on the doors appears to be bookmatched circassian walnut...?

I agree on this, too. It is one beautiful cabinet....

I'm sorry ! I was going to do that, but didn't get the chance... It's in Fairport, NY, asking $55 (I bet it could be had for much less, though).

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/it ... 1003537697