The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi! I have a Columbia Grafonola De Luxe that has been in my family since purchased new. I am trying to get more info on it. I know nothing about talking machines. Based on what little info I could find online; I believe it is a rare find. We found this when cleaning out one of my uncle's storage units after he passed away. It was not a climate-controlled unit. I did not do anything to it except clean the cabinet with Milsek. It is in really good condition and does work. Any idea on value?

The Grafonola DeLuxe was an expensive machine in its time ($200). It was considered a top-of-the-line model.

You were wise to just clean the cabinet. Phonograph collectors value original finishes on the old cabinets. Someone is likely to post an idea regarding value, but I would say that a family heirloom doubles or quadruples the value to those in the family.

I have a 1904 Victor that my grandfather bought new, and am really happy that my son wants to display it in his home.

That is very pretty, thank you for preserving it.

ColoradoPhonograf

Your machine appears to be in nice condition. The value of this particular model is primarily determined in the aspect of it being an heirloom of your family. Otherwise, it would struggle to bring $200 at a phonograph dispersal auction.

Hailey wrote: Wed Dec 11, 2024 8:56 am Your machine appears to be in nice condition. The value of this particular model is primarily determined in the aspect of it being an heirloom of your family. Otherwise, it would struggle to bring $200 at a phonograph dispersal auction.

I think it could do somewhat better than that. It's a high-end, early upright model, in fine condition. In 40 years of collecting, I've never seen another. (Not that what I have seen and what I have not seen has any effect on value, that is. )

Thank you for your reply's.

Some of the info I was given on a FB group page...

That is called the Mignon it is a classical Music movement.
They became available around 1909 to 1911. You have an early model. The doors that control the volume output was a victor feature that was patented so Victor sued them and Columbia had to re design their volume control they used distinctive shutters for that.

This is the second style Deluxe. It was very short lived. Victor held a patent on the doors over the horn, (volume control), so Columbia had to stop using them. Your machine is quite rare. The gold reproducer with the cover is the correct one.

It looks like a very early cabinet style Columbia. Especially with the turntable dust skirt. Fairly scarce.

Beautiful Machine!!! Where are you located???