The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

…Or lack of them!
I have a Graphophone type AF that has absolutely NO serial number anywhere. None on the chassis or motor. I recently repaired an AD that was the same. Stamped inside anywhere in the gear covers?
Anyone explain why? Perhaps George Paul has an answer?
Cheers!

I've been collecting serial numbers for the Columbia Grand machines for a few years now. Of the handful (14) of AD's and AF's only one AF had a data plate but I don't believe
it was factory installed (#238321) looked like a re-stamped Model A plate. I've heard of one AD with a data plate but was never able to verify it.

I believe the AF was interspersed 401 to 2100 serial number range along with the first style HG, SG, GR models and the AD was in the 5001 to 7000 range with the
second style HG. Until one with a data plate surfaces or some document is found these are just my guesses.

Would like to add yours to my database, just need the reproducer model, the Banner description with the cities listed.

Chuck

Hi Chuck,
Sure, I’ll get you that info later today. I have the AF, and also a really nice HG, and a beautiful GG which is serial number 46. Howard Hazelcorn for years had the lowest one but this one is lower and turned up in the 1990’s at a Courtland, Ontario, Canada flea market. It also has a Columbia factory archive tag riveted to the mandrel with an inventory number similar to many machines Charley Hummel had. Hand painted feedscrew cover.
How did it end up in Ontario Canada?

My Columbia HG was serial number 5112.

Rich Gordon

Darren,

I have your GG in my database already. Actually there is an earlier one than yours #41.

Rich I have your HG also, sold at Stanton's in 2019.

Sure could use some more machines show up to fill in the missing number blocks.


Chuck

Wow! Very cool! I was not aware of that! Your HG has an interesting decal!
Here is my AF. It has the heavy D reproducer with brass jewelled weight added inside the aluminum casting and tiered mica:

Here is my GG:

Last but not least, my HG:

Thanks for the AF info. I already had the HG in my database from the previous owner.

Seems like all I'm seeing is the same machines going from collector to collector. Very little coming out of the wild except for AB models, probably because there were
so many made (~10,000)

Chuck

Chuck,

I may have sent this HG serial earlier, but here goes.
When was the push button release deleted from the front? I notice one on Rich’s HG cabinet.

Mark