The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi, everyone. I Recently found two old tabletop gramophones, a Columbia "Favorite" and an unknown model Brunswick. I've attached pics if that helps. I'd just like to know more about them -- like what model number is the Brunswick? How do they compare against each other in terms of sound quality, ease of operation, repair, etc. Is either one more valuable than the other? If I could only keep just one, which you would think I should keep? (my wife is getting stingier with her space tolerance in our house, so I might not be able to keep them both

Model # will be on the medallion just above and to the right of the turntable

The Brunswick appears to be a Model 105. I used to own one like it. If it were my choice I would keep it and sell or trade away the other one.
I have a few extra Brunswick records if interested, but I am not sure of your Texas location. Do both machines play well? That would be another factor to consider.
Don

I'd bet that if you gave both of them a good going over with non pumice Goop and 4 ought steel wool, she'd be much more tolerant.
There are many good posts on the list already on how to do it correctly, so I'll leave it there- but you'll be more than pleasantly surprised on how their appearance will improve !!!

Overall quality-wise, I prefer the Brunswick. I've never had problems with swollen pot metal tone arms with Brunswick's like you do with the Columbia's. Also you can play regular 78s, Edison diamond discs and pathos, if you have the right stylus, with one machine.
Mike Wohl

The Columbia "Favorite" is probably equipped with a 3-spring motor and if you are lucky the autobrake will be ok. I had to fix up a 1920 Columbia D-2 for a friend and it was a fantastic-sounding machine with the reproducer it had.

If it were me I would be looking at the furniture in the room to see which one matched, but fixing both of them would be good and then keep one or the other.