ca 1905/1906 Columbia Graphophone decals

[MTPhono]

I am interested in learning more about the different Columbia decal varieties in the 1905 and 1906 timeframe. Specifically interested in Columbia BG (decal says "The Columbia Graphophone) and the BM (which reads "The Graphophone). Were the BMs (oo BGs) only offered with the one label or are there examples of both styles? They both were offered in the same cabinet.

Thanks,
Scott

[phonohound]

Hey Scott;

How are you? The BGs were offered with both decals. You can an example of a BGT on my site. Mine has the earlier Graphophone banner decal. My BM has the same early Graphophone decal.

I don't believe the BM was offered with the Columbia Graphophone decal. The BG cabinet was used for the BM and BGT. I believe most BGT models that were factory issued had the Columbia Graphophone decal, but since kits were sold separately to modify existing BGs, you will find BGTs with the earlier Graphophone decal.

The BG was first introduced in 1905, the BM in 1906, and the BGT in 1907. My hypothesis is the Columbia Graphophone decal came out around 1907, with the introduction of the BGT and similar tonearm models. BGs existed during this time, which is why you see them with both decals.

I hope this answers your questions.

Scott

[melvind]

Scott,

My BGT has a decal that only says The Graphophone, so it must have depended on when they were made I would suppose. Interesting question. I've never thought much about it or attempted to look in to it.

Dan

[MTPhono]

Thanks for the responses! Scott, I hadn't visited your site for awhile and forgot what fantastic machines you have. And your BM must be one of the finest examples.

So Dan, is there any indication that your BGT was a conversion? On the BGT does the ID stamp indicate BG or BGT?

Regards,
Scott

[melvind]

Scott,

I don't know where the ID stamp might be. I don't see anything like that. It's a bit hard to tell if mine was a conversion or not. The back bracket is mounted over the rear decal, so I suppose that could be a sign of a conversion. I just don't know enough about these machines to know how to tell.

The reproducer has a 1906 date on it if that helps with anything.

Dan