The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I am needing some dimensions on a Columbia Model C first style 1897. I acquired a H&S Non-Pareil cabinet that was missing the phonograph. I am thinking it may have been cut out for a Columbia 1st style C . If anyone has one that could provide me with the 4 measurements below it would be greatly appreciated, those measurements will hopefully confirm that I indeed need a Columbia C. Thanks for any help. Larry
1.Length of the nickel bedplate
2.Width of the nickel bedplate
3.Crank hole distance from top cabinet to center of crank
4.Crank hole distance horizontally from the center of nickel bedplate.

Larry,

1) Length of bedplate: 13.5"

2) Width of bedplate: 8"

3) Distance from top of cabinet to center of winding shaft: 1"

4) I'm uncertain what you're looking for here, but the distance from the front edge of the bedplate to the center of the winding shaft is 3 ⅛" If I've misinterpreted what you need, let me know and I'll take another stab at it.

Keep in mind that the hole in the top of your Nonpareil needs to be smaller than the bedplate dimensions, and the bedplate probably rests on top of the cabinet rather than in a recessed area. (That said, I have an H&S cabinet that accommodates an Edison Home in a recessed area, so that wouldn't be unprecedented.)

Hope this helps,
George P.

Hi George, Thanks for the dimensions, I think originally my H&S may have had a Columbia Type A in it, I think this because the crank hole in the cabinet is very low, 1 ¾" down from the top of the cabinet and within a ¼" of being centered front to back, The Columbia A also has a low crank see photo off the internet, But my problem is at some point the hole in the top of my cabinet was enlarged to 13 ¼' long X 6 ½" wide making the hole larger than the Columbia A bedplate. So, to put the perhaps original A in I would have to add wood pieces to the top that would be visible and obviously added on or use a Columbia C which would cover the hole, but I would have to drop the motor down ¾" to match the cabinet crank hole. What would George do? Thanks for your help, Larry

Larry, I'd see if a Model A Home would fit. The dimensions look right for it. If so, an early "suitcase" type would be appropriate.

George P.