The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello,
I have a columbia graphophone type HG, first version. I have seen photographs of a columbia type AD. I don't see differences. Could you tell me the differences between the two models?
Thanks.

The cabinets of the first version of the HG and the AD are entirely different. However, the cabinet of the SECOND version of the HG and the AD are the same, as are the motors.

The upper works of the HG is the traditional black enameled cast iron with gilt lines and "flowers & berries" decal decoration.

The upper works of the AD is damaskeened aluminum, and the works is designed to play both standard-size and five-inch cylinders. Two belts are employed on the AD.

George P.

Thanks.
But, I was wrong. The comparison was between HG and AG.
In this forum itself, in 2016 some photos of the AG were published. Can't tell the difference with HG.

Ferran

Ferran,

There is very little difference between the early first model HG (serial #'s 400-2100) and the early AG models (serial #'s 2100-3200).
It appears the AG was a "cheapened" HG by using pot metal for the reproducer carriage and slide assembly and probably other cost cutting changes.

Chuck

Okay!!!,
Thank you. Yes, mine actually has the serial number 2089. The other day looking at the photograph uploaded in the AG forum I saw no differences.
Sorry for the mistake the other day.

Ferran

Ferran,

The earliest versions of the AG are virtually identical to your 1st Type HG with a nickeled bedplate. Soon, a polished aluminum bedplate was supplied with the AG (which was still priced at $75.00). The final version of the AG had a black-painted bedplate, and was priced at $50.00.

Here's a polished aluminum bedplate version:

George P.

Thanks for your comments.
I wanted to send you some pictures of my Columbia, but am having trouble adding image attachments.

Ferran

Ferran,

Your HG is in my database, it was sold at Stanton's auction Nov, 2019.

Carriage and mount from HG #491 All brass, notice the tooling on the ring ends of the sleeve.
This style is not usually reproduced. Carriage and mount from AG #2104 Pot metal, you can see the swelling of the metal under the nickel plating. The sleeve has been
changed to having three grooves cast in the ends.
Reproductions of this style are machined from aluminum, not usually nickel plated as it is very difficult to plate aluminum without chemically
treating the aluminum first. Chuck

Chuck makes an excellent point of showing the differences between the carriages of the early HG and the AG. You'll find the same changes in carriage during AT production, with only the earliest ATs having nickeled brass carriages.

Note that the carriage on the AG (#3861) I pictured above is the pot metal variety. This is one of the last $75.00 AGs manufactured, and the original paperwork that came with it suggests it was sold in August 1900.

George P.

All very interesting !!!!