The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello and thanks for allowing me into the group! I recently purchased a Columbia Graphophone. It works, but could use some restoration. Someone has painted the horn silver.

I got a quote from a company for $819.00. I paid $300 for the graphophone. It is a gift for my fiance. I was just wondering if it would be worth it to pay this much to restore it. I don't even know the model number. I'm becoming quite fascinated with these machines!

It is a nice machine, and not without some value, but NOT worth spending $819.00 on! My opinion of course...

Consultation of the reference book Columbia Phonograph Companion Vol. II by Robert Baumbach suggests what you have is a later model Columbia BN, which Columbia variously called the "New Champion" or "Improved Champion" model, depending on where it fell in the production period. The earliest ones were introduced in 1908 as upgraded versions of a BN type introduced the year before, and production continued until 1914. In 1915, Columbia redesignated a somewhat modified version as the 25H. Yours looks like the picture of a BN, but your reproducer more resembles that shown with the 25H (but the rest of your machine doesn't match up; the 25H, for instance, is shown with a different back bracket supporting the horn), so I'd guess what you have might be from late in the BN production run. Perhaps other members can offer further/better insight. In all events, welcome to the forum!

I agree with Jerry; I wouldn't put any more money into this machine. If it runs, as you say it does, there's no way this needs $800+ to "restore" it.

John

It looks as though the silver paint extends to the back bracket, tonearm and soundbox, probably to conceal defective nickel plating. What concerns me is that the diaphragm and gaskets also appear painted, which will affect the performance of the soundbox.

$300 was a good price. I would have paid that in a second.
Do a bit of research, look at pictures of similar machines and “restore it yourself.
You could strip the silver paint off. Even if the nickel plating is worn or discoloured, don’t worry, that is just the patina of age.
You also don’t have to do a whole restoration at once, if the machine plays, just enjoy it. Refinishing the wood can wait.
The reproducer may need a rebuild, but if you can’t do that right now, they are readily available from knowledgeable parts suppliers that you can find on line and are also members of this forum.
Good luck and have fun.

alienj wrote: Mon Oct 30, 2023 9:57 am I got a quote from a company for $819.00. I paid $300 for the graphophone. It is a gift for my fiance. I was just wondering if it would be worth it to pay this much to restore it.

The quoted price of $819 is crazy for restoring your Columbia BN Graphophone but it's obviously your call. Since you already have $300 into it $819 additional would surely be well more than most people would be able to sell one of these Columbia BN Graphophones at in nice completely original condition. But again, if restoring it for your fiance is more important than current market value or monetary investment then I would consider reaching out to other restorers for quotes who are reputable and hopefully more reasonable. If you (and your fiance) can live with the oak veneer on top lifting and being rippled with some finishing nails applied but considering that it works fine it might be good to keep it and enjoy it as is. : )

Thank you to everyone who replied to my post. Great information! I'm glad to know the model! I, too felt that $819.00 was a little steep. I do woodworking as an art form and think I could restore the wood myself. I've been watching videos! I think my fiance might enjoy doing some of this himself! Gets boring when you're retired!

Again, thank you so much!

As stated, the amount quoted is out of line. The machine is in reasonable condition - no obvious parts missing or major mechanical issues. The wood work is relatively minor and will be a good candidate for you to try and restore. You will get a much better understanding of your phonograph if you do it yourself.

Rebuilding the reproducer is easy, you might need a new piece of mica for the diaphragm and a piece of white rubber gasket material... There are many videos that will explain the process and many tips on this website. For parts and supplies try "thephonographshop.com" - Brian Parlier is helpful and knowledgeable.

Good luck with the project and ask questions. Be sure to post pics of your progress.

It's not a mica diaphragm. It's pressed metal and it appears to be okay. Just painted silver... Originally, it was painted black.