The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

in this Shopgoodwill listing (https://shopgoodwill.com/item/220661347), can someone explain why there appears to be two crank holes? Was the Graphophone decal on the front of the machine added later by a collector?

One crank hole could be for adjusting the speed? I have seen this on some European models.

I'm not sure why you think the decals were added later?

These pics of two different Columbia Europas should answer your questions. On the crank side of these machines, one hole is for the crank and the other is for the brake / speed control. On the Goodwill example, it looks like the composition, decorative "fiberboard" which would be applied to the case's vertical surfaces has gone missing and the case has been repainted. I believe the decals are repro and are probably for a Columbia cylinder machine. These particular Columbia models are not encountered often!

Thank you, Pathé Logical. The decals on the Goodwill example looked patently fake to me.

You're welcome!

These Europa models are uncommon, but trying to replace the decorative wrap would be impossible (IMO). Otherwise $31 is a bargain

I had a VERY modest high bid on it, so was quite surprised I wasn't over bid on it. I'll be picking it up this week, and will post more after I get it home.

Steve