Early Operating Instructions For Phonographs

[SonnyPhono]

I came across the directions for operating the "Columbia" and "Bijou" Graphophones today. Here it is: (Sorry about the poor quality picture and glare from the plastic covering it.)

Columbia and Bijou Operating Instructions.JPG (173.57 KiB) Viewed 3514 times

I have seen operating instructions for different phonographs in the past and know that for common, and especially later machines they aren't rare by any means. So when I saw this one I just assumed it was like other instructions I have seen before and didn't think too much about it. However, the more I think about it, these were two fairly early machines and I don't recall seeing anything particularly like it before.

Has anyone else seen this before?

[WDC]

Certainly a good find. This manual would date 1895-96. It is only the third copy I have seen so far.
The Bijou here would be the Columbia Type N.

[SonnyPhono]

I wasn't sure about the date because the "Bijou" and "Columbia" nomenclature weren't specific to just the Type N and Type A Graphophones. I appreciate you narrowing it down for me.

Here are scans of each page for anyone interested:

[WDC]

I'm sorry, just took another look. For some reason the machine looked like a Type N to me, but yes, it is a Type A. The confusing thing is, that Columbia named several of these machines Bijou.

I would to correct the date to likely 1897 (either not bad at all!). I have seen so far two instruction manuals for the Type N, but this would be the first I have been of a Type A. Thanks for the posting the scan!

[phonogfp]

I agree with the 1897 date. The instructions aren't specific about how to turn on/stop the motor, so it appears they were intended for use with the A and the N. Nice! For all the Type As out there, wouldn't you think the instructions would show up more often?

Thanks for the posting.

George P.

[bostonmike1]

Sonny----Hope all is well with you!! Thanks for posting the instructions.Good find.
George--No disrespect intended, but your assessment that there should be more original instructions floating around is incorrect since finding just simple parts for a Type A is equal to the search for the Holy Grail!! It is my opinion, that if we one day go back to the moon, that is where they will be found! We missed them evidently the first time we went there. George, thanks though, for your help in my search.
If anyone has a speed control knob for a Type A, please post a picture of it with a ruler in front and I will replicate the part myself. It would be greatly appreciated. Michael

[ChuckA]

Thought it would be fun to pose one of my Columbia A's in the instruction manual picture:





Couldn't find a beaded oak board or table to make it exactly like the cover.


Machinist: Email me, I have a governor and speed control I can probably part with, I hate to hear a grown man cry.......

Chuck

[phonogfp]

Nice Washington A, Chuck!

George P.

[ChuckA]

Thanks, George

For some reason, I find the Model A's appealing. I have 3 of them, all slightly different but all with near mint chassis decorations, took a long time finding them.

Chuck

[phonogfp]

I feel your pain - I have 5 of them! But they're all different, even if my wife doesn't think so...

George P.