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Columbia Viva-Tonal 810

Posted: Mon Nov 28, 2011 11:48 pm
by Davis
Anyone know anything about Lynn Bilton in Hartville, Ohio? She (he?) has a very re-finished 810 for sale for $1,400. Would appreciate any feedback. Thanks!

Re: Columbia Viva-Tonal 810

Posted: Tue Nov 29, 2011 4:35 pm
by Uncle Vanya
I've never heard a bad word about Mr. Bilton. The 810 is certainly BRIGHT!

I would think that a little garnet shellac would tone it down, for otherwise the work looks pretty nice.

Should you know anyone that would be interested, I find myself with TWO of the quite scarce Columbia 800 Viva-Tonal machines, but of course
require but one. The 800 is the same machine as the 810, but is veneered in walnut rather than in mahogany, and lacks the painted trim. I think
that the 800 is scarcer even than the elusive 810, as I've owned or examined 9 or 10 810 machines overt the years but ended up purchasing EVERY
{both} 800 machine which came to my notice!

Re: Columbia Viva-Tonal 810

Posted: Tue Nov 29, 2011 5:00 pm
by JohnM
Unc,
Do you have any photos or images of an 820?

I would also like to vouch for Lynn. He's been in the biz for eons. A real straight-shooter.

Re: Columbia Viva-Tonal 810

Posted: Tue Nov 29, 2011 5:08 pm
by Phonofreak
I bought items from Lynn, and he is very fair and honest.
Harvey Kravitz

Re: Columbia Viva-Tonal 810

Posted: Wed Nov 30, 2011 9:10 pm
by Uncle Vanya
JohnM wrote:Unc,
Do you have any photos or images of an 820?

No, I'm afraid that the only picture of the elusive 820 that I ever saw was a line drawing which was printed on a rather
scarce late 1920's record sleeve, one which I believe did not survive the fire.

Re: Columbia Viva-Tonal 810

Posted: Wed Nov 30, 2011 9:35 pm
by James
Why do you always talk about that fire :?:



Uncle Vanya wrote:
JohnM wrote:Unc,
Do you have any photos or images of an 820?

No, I'm afraid that the only picture of the elusive 820 that I ever saw was a line drawing which was printed on a rather
scarce late 1920's record sleeve, one which I believe did not survive the fire.

Re: Columbia Viva-Tonal 810

Posted: Wed Nov 30, 2011 9:36 pm
by David Spanovich
Uncle Vanya wrote:
JohnM wrote:Unc,
Do you have any photos or images of an 820?

No, I'm afraid that the only picture of the elusive 820 that I ever saw was a line drawing which was printed on a rather
scarce late 1920's record sleeve, one which I believe did not survive the fire.

There are some illustrations of an 820 towards the bottom of this page --

http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... ?f=2&t=293

(You have to click on the brochure to make it full size.)

HTH,
DS

Re: Columbia Viva-Tonal 810

Posted: Wed Nov 30, 2011 10:05 pm
by Uncle Vanya
James wrote:Why do you always talk about that fire :?:
Just trying to explain why I can't put my hands on certain items. It was a pretty comprehensive collection which burned.




Sorry for annoying you by mentioning it.

Re: Columbia Viva-Tonal 810

Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2011 6:07 pm
by gregbogantz
I know of only one Columbia 820 in existence. Could be more, but they certainly are scarce. I've actually seen this one - it belongs to a famous collector in North Carolina.

Re: Columbia Viva-Tonal 810

Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2011 6:53 pm
by JohnM
Thanks, David S.!