The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I have a Columbia type BGT that has been converted to have 2 & 4 minute playing capability. As a result, the machine’s ID plate loses its identity and serial number because the extra gearing requires the ID plate to be modified. My question is, were the ID plates specifically for the BGT marked as such or would they all have been stamped BG regardless of whether that particular machine was to receive a back bracket and tone arm.
Thanks!

Darren,

I've never seen a BGT with its data plate marked anything but "BG." That said, I've be interested in seeing one!

George P.

Thank you George!

For whatever my input was worth, you're very welcome!

George P.

This is just my opinion on the tonearm versions of the Columbia BE, BF & BG machines.

Most of the "T" versions of these machines that I've seen were converted by dealers/jobbers and the ID plate shows only the 2 letter model, also the shield decal
on the rear of the cabinet is covered by the back bracket.

The factory models have either the shield decal on the left side panel or not at all.
When the 2/4 minute attachment is added to these models the model number and serial number is gone and I've never seen anywhere on the machine another
model or serial number is stamped.

This is a factory BET with 2/4 minute attachment:
You can see the model is stamped as B-E-T on the center disc of the ID plate and there is no shield decal on the cabinet. I don't know if the lid paper label says BET as I
don't know where it is right now.
It would be good to see any other models that could prove or disprove my thoughts. If you have one marked as a "T" version post a picture.

All my other "T" versions appear to be dealer mods, all have the 2 letter model number and the shield decal on the rear covered by the back bracket.

Chuck

Thanks for that picture, Chuck! Interesting - -

George P.

Thanks guys, very interesting!