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Hi all. I just purchased a Columbia AB Macdonald and there is 1.25" spacer in the shape of a "C" that I was wondering what it's purpose was. It is located between the motor plate and the base on the front left side. I searched the internet and found a dozen different pictures but none had this spacer. It is nickeled like the rest of the top works and looks like it belongs there but can't figure what it was for. By the way the serial no. is 750437 which is lower than the low end listed in Mr. Hazelcorn's book. Any ideas? I know a picture would be helpful but I'm having a heck of time trying to get that to work. You know how us old guys are. - Mike

Pictures would definitely help..

blizz

Is it loose? If so, it sounds like a reproducer weight... they are shaped like a "C" or a horseshoe.

I think Curt is onto something. If it's thick, nickel-plated, and it looks like a washer or spacer with a wide slot cut into it, then it's probably an after-market weight for the reproducer. Floating reproducer weights were designed to slip over the front collar of the reproducer (the hump in the center top). They were typically used with Q reproducers, but I've seen them with other floating reproducers. If it's an original Mobley weight, ca. 1900 or so, that's a nice bonus. They're uncommon and very collectible. You might want to look it over closely with a magnifying glass to see if it's signed anywhere, or has a patent date stamped into it.

-- Grant

You guys are good!! I slipped that piece on top of a #2 reproducer that I have on my "B" and it fits like a glove. How it got under the motor plate is anyone's guess. Must have been there for a long time because it left a mark in the finish. No markings on the weight but yes it's a bonus. Now if I can find out how this low numbered machine fits into the production range, I'll be a happy camper. Thanks all. -Mike

My Columbia AB also came with this. I've attached a picture of mine.

Doug

Yep, that's what it looks like. Where was yours located on the machine? Attached somewhere or loose?

Hi Mike, Mine was inside a little paper bag along with the winding key under the mandrel. Here's a video of mine that I posted on YouTube channel years ago. https://youtu.be/Q5p01PX7a7w I hardly play it anymore. Fun to see a pic or two of yours sometime if you care to share.

Doug

cosmo666 wrote: Thu May 13, 2021 8:50 am Now if I can find out how this low numbered machine fits into the production range, I'll be a happy camper. Thanks all. -Mike

The AB serial number range is from 750,001 to 760,000. The lowest number I have recorded is #750202 and highest is #759422.
They have a mix, pretty much 50-50, of #4 and #5 reproducers. A couple have #2 or #7 reproducers. I don't think either was "normally" put on the AB
from the factory.

The majority of them use the common "T" style reproducer lift mechanism as found on most Columbia machines, it appears the first 1000 units
used a pin to raise and lower the reproducer. Highest number so far with the pin lift is #750858, #751023 is the lowest "T" lift found.

All have the "The Graphophone" with "New York & Paris" decal.

Your AB was sold at Stanton's Auction 1/15/2021 (info in case you didn't buy it there)

Chuck

Thanks Chuck. I do have the pin lift which makes the reproducer not lower to the cylinder straight but it still plays ok. Did not pick it up at Stantons but just bought it from one of the forum members. Was'nt too crazy about how it looked initially but it cleaned up very nicely and plays well. It was packaged that if if fell from the plane it would have survived. Thanks Raphael. -Mike