Description |
Columbia Type AD Home Grand/Combination Grand Cylinder phonograph. A very nice example of a very rare and uncommon phonograph. This model is seldom seen. This machine has its original brown oak finish with its original cover and original handle, and all original ornamental trim is nicely intact. Also the cabinet has both original latches for securing the cover. Has a bold and clear gold banner decal. Few nicks and scratches here and there, see photos. Has its original winding crank. The massive and powerful 6 spring motor winds and runs well. Also included is an original 2-piece cardboard box for the reproducer (which has a torn flap), plainly marked "reproducer". Comes with 1 Columbia indestructible 2-minute cylinder in its original brightly colored box, missing cover. Also included is an original Columbia A-1 aluminum horn, which measures 14"L with a 7.25" diameter bell. At the small end of the horn, near the seam, it is marked "PAT APL'D FOR". Horn has a few dents and dings here and there, see photos.
This machine has its original 5" removable aluminum mandrel, which when removed exposes the 2" mandrel. The mandrel drive mechanism has a unique feature that can be raised and lowered as needed, and secured by use of a wing nut depending on the size cylinder to be played. Has original #5 aluminum reproducer with good stylus. The entire upper carriage and transport, and queuing mechanism, is entirely original, is in good working order and moves freely. As is well known among collectors, the above described parts are very fragile and typically broken or missing. These original parts have been carefully restored and stabilized, and brought back to working condition. They shows signs of the typical swelling and crazing, see photos. These parts are not perfect; however the fact that these original parts still exist and have been made to function is remarkable. This is a good honest piece!
Follows are excerpts from Howard Hazelcorn's "Columbia Phonograph Companion Volume 1":
"This combination model Graphophone appeared in the 1902 Columbia catalog. Like the Type 'AB', this machine was fitted with both a fixed 2" and a removable aluminum 5" mandrel. When the larger mandrel was removed the standard 2" one could be raised up and locked into playing position by the use of a wing-nut that was located on the left side of the chassis. This machine and the Type 'AF' were the only Columbia models to use two separate sets of belt driven pulleys to drive the feed-screw and the mandrel. The all-aluminum chassis came highly polished and featured decorative machinist "jewelling" on the sides. The speed control knob for this model was conveniently placed on the highly nickeled bedplate and though a shaving attachment could be fitted to this machine, none was offered. The power source for this unit was a six-spring motor (in barrels) arranged in two tandem sets of three. This was the same motor utilized in the second style type 'HG'. It is interesting to note that the company then claimed this motor will play nine cylinders per winding and, with the second style 'HG' it claimed fourteen. The cabinet, like the motor, was identical to the second style 'HG'. It offered heavily carved corner columns, recessed side panels framed with rope molding, rope molding trim around the top edge of he motor board and pressed molding along he base. The motor board was hinged to the rear of the cabinet and could be tilted upward to expose the motor for servicing. A gold banner 'The Home Grand Graphophone' decal was placed on the front panel. Original price in 1902 was $75.
Note: The author considers this machine to be the 'king' of the Columbia 'A' series. It offered beauty, power and versatility.
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