The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Anyone have some info about the Columbia BY Graphophone? Hard to find much online. I just picked up one and would like to know more about it and also an approximate value for an average example. Thanks!

I have discussed this model with other collectors in the past. One thing I did learn was that there were two different motors used. The earlier machines had a large 4 spring motor and the later ones used a much smaller motor. One collector friend told me just to pick up the machine and you could tell by weight which motor was in it. Obviously the larger, stronger motor machine is more desirable to collectors.

ColoradoPhonograf

Thanks. This one has the four spring motor. The machine is a beast! The case is so heavy, even empty. Here is a quick shot. The condition of the case is great, the nickel is corroded in some parts of the tone arm and back bracket. The horn has some thinning nickel. Overall its really cool. Hope to keep it, but may not be able to...

Anyone have a suggestion on value? I don't think I will be able to hold on to this piece. Trying to get a ballpark on value. Thanks.

I'd estimate that a good BY with a nickel horn is worth between $2000 and $2500. Jerry Blais

Jerry B. wrote:I'd estimate that a good BY with a nickel horn is worth between $2000 and $2500. Jerry Blais

I agree with Jerry on the price estimate. They should be worth a lot more given rarity, attractiveness, cost when new, but they just don't bring it...

Valecnik wrote:They should be worth a lot more given rarity, attractiveness, cost when new, but they just don't bring it...

I completely agree. A high-end disc graphophone offers an excellent price-performance. I had also toyed with the idea to buy me one until I got my present open horn gramophone.

Tip: A matching stand with curved lines increases the attractiveness and overall value of the BY Graphophone.

there was one with a matching stand and wooden horn on ebay for quite some time, offered by a seller from pennsylvania.

it was my understanding though that that sort of tonearm/reproducer assembly used on these columbia machines was really really hard on records, which is the only reason why I've avoided buying one (also, some have that troublesome fiber gear on the spindle, but I don't think this model does).

What would you expect to pay for the matching cabinet? A wood horn is going to cost the better part of $1000. Jerry

I don't remember for sure, but I think the one on ebay offered with the wood horn and the matching cabinet was priced somewhere around 5000. I don't remember any of it selling, but I do remembering it be offered several times, some with the cabinet, some without (without the cabinet, the asking price was mid to high 3000's I think).

... actually, just did a google search and the seller was this guy...

Antique Edison
Bridgeville PA 15017
(412) 257-8926
[email protected]