The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Has anyone taken a look at Columbia machines assembled from Talk-O-Phone parts? I have a Columbia BN that looks like it might have started as a Talk-O-Phone Brooke model. It has two neat little holes that have never been used. I suspect they're there because the case was originally intended to be for a front-mount machine.

I didn't find too much info on the Internet. If anyone could point me to anything about this interesting history, that would be appreciated.

John

I believe Columbia acquired the assets of the Talk-O-Phone company as a result of legal proceedings. I have a machine, sold by Columbia, which utilizes a Talk-O-Phone cabinet. Mine is a smaller rear mount example with typical Columbia hardware. I believe there's a line drawing of this machine in one of George and Tim's excellent books.

Jerry B.

Jerry B.:

Thank you. Those are the kinds of machines for which I'd like to see more pictures. I have learned from Intertique that Talk-O-Phone had about six models all named after famous bandleaders of the day. I think I recognize your model as the Brooke model. It might be interesting to see an example of each model equipped with Columbia hardware, that is, if they all exist.

Here is a picture of my machine taken shortly after I brought it home from a local auction. As it turned out, the crank and three screws that secure the top were all inside the case (I knew that before I bid). It did not run, the problem being a broken governor spring--now fixed.

Intertique identifies mine as an unknown Talk-O-Phone model with a beaded case. The example shown therein (https://www.intertique.com/TalkophoneId ... ePage1.htm)* is of a front-mount machine with the hardware mounted about where my two little holes are. These holes have never been tapped, which leads me to think this case was originally destined to be a front-mount machine before Columbia acquired it.

John

*Many thanks to Intertique.