The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I received a Columbia AB that should have been better packed. Unfortunately the lid is completely locked closed, probably the mechanism slipped? I cannot get the lid open and have tried removing the lock mechanism from the outside! Any ideas how to open this beautiful cabinet?

Be aware that once the locking bolt has been pulled upward, the entire lid must be shifted to the left in order to remove it. Depending on how the lid/base was damaged, it may be necessary to finesse those two components to find the "sweet spot."

Good luck!

George P.

Nothing would move at all. I finally had to use feeler gauges after removing part of the cabinet lid trim and released the lock.