The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi Guys,
I found a new treasure a few days ago. It's a British Columbia Grafonola Model 117a. She's a beauty. Talk the seller down from $175 to $150. If anyone out there wants to share information or experience I'd be eager to hear.

WOW!!! You'd be talking a $600.00+++ price tag in the SF Bay area, especially if a certain wheeler dealer I know of was selling it.

OrthoFan wrote: Wed May 03, 2023 1:12 pm WOW!!! You'd be talking a $600.00+++ price tag in the SF Bay area, especially if a certain wheeler dealer I know of was selling it.

Such gaping wide price variations between continents. In the UK you could pick this up at auction for the price of a coffee and a sandwich. Evidently British collectors are not overly enthused by Columbia products.

Personally I love Columbia machines and already have quite a few, including the 117A. It's a great little machine with bi-furcated horn, a great tonearm and soundbox. It does feel perhaps a little basic compared to contemporary HMV products but it works well with a great Garrard motor.

Well done on a fine purchase!

From the 1929 catalogue :

I've yet to hear one of these in person, but I have been told that they have a really nice sound due to that soundbox and tone arm.

I have a small standup version of this, also British and with a small metal internal horn that might be a Columbia style re-entrant (if such a thing existed - I don’t know!). It has doors covering a grill rather than the louvers seen on this one, but from the top looks the same as this one.

Also found in the SF Bay Area but not from a wheeler or a dealer. Someday I’ll repair the spring and see how it sounds!

Garret wrote: Wed May 03, 2023 2:07 pm I've yet to hear one of these in person, but I have been told that they have a really nice sound due to that soundbox and tone arm.

You missed the opportunity, Garret. Next time you come around there are two or three of these, including a cabinet version with a very large bifurcated horn, awaiting to play for you. And indeed their sound is great!

1923VictorFan wrote: Wed May 03, 2023 12:37 pm Hi Guys,
I found a new treasure a few days ago. It's a British Columbia Grafonola Model 117a. She's a beauty. Talk the seller down from $175 to $150. If anyone out there wants to share information or experience I'd be eager to hear.

Thank you for the PM, showing that the supplying dealer was Snell & Sons of Swansea. Here are some pictures, one of the shop, one of a record cover and one of a label from their private recording studio.

Wow! That is a rally surprise. Here's the shot again of the retailer tag on my Columbia. A fascinating match:

CarlosV wrote: Wed May 03, 2023 4:05 pm

Garret wrote: Wed May 03, 2023 2:07 pm I've yet to hear one of these in person, but I have been told that they have a really nice sound due to that soundbox and tone arm.

You missed the opportunity, Garret. Next time you come around there are two or three of these, including a cabinet version with a very large bifurcated horn, awaiting to play for you. And indeed their sound is great!

Sorry Carlos, I was too excited about hearing a few other things. But, yes, noted! Maybe we can meet again later this summer or in early fall once my ever-changing schedule is sorted out.