| In a Nutshell
Middle priced type AJ of Columbia's 1901 first disc graphophones AK, AJ, AH, in a later high-box version from 1904. ln a beautiful streamlined quarter sawed oak cabinet, with as new original metal parts, an extremely loud long-throat "analyzing" reproducer and with an original black and brass witch's hat horn with brass elbow, all in mint condition, this front mount graphophone is a workhorse, but one with unmatched beauty
Introduction:
In 1901 Columbia started to sell their first disc graphophones and records. Models AK, AJ and AH were front mount graphophones playing Emile Berliner's format of 7" diameter discs, and were sold for 15, 20 and 30 dollars, respectively. Here we have the middle priced model AJ in a later high-box version from 1904, that is less dainty (ref.2 has both for comparison, see also pict.28). It features a 10" turntable platter and has a single spring motor, capable to play one full 10 inch record. The machine is equipped with its original and extremely powerful long-throat "Analyzing" reproducer. It is an early version still featuring a thumbscrew needle holder instead of the later clip-type. Also all other parts are original, including both aluminum tone arm and travelling arm, the carrying handle, the turntable platter and crank, and even the 16" witch's hat horn with 9 inch brass bell, and the brass elbow, parts of this early graphophone, that often are reproductions.
Additional information:
ref.1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPKoRJTy6iQ
ref.2: http://www.telephonecollectibles.com/Phonographs.html
ref.3: http://www.dorothyshay.com/
About my graphophone:
The quarter sawed oak cabinet is in mint condition, the 1903 Columbia decal (pict.11) almost undamaged. All metal parts are original and have a nice patina without corrosion. The elbow is formed with a slot that matches a corresponding ridge in the horn end (pict.23). Both are stamped with patent information (picts.23,24). The horn's original paint is untouched and there are no dents. In order to highlight the longevity of Berliner's invention I play a record from 1947, that is near the end of the 78 rpm era, on this graphophone, that was built more than 40 years before. The title is Mountain Gal, and is sung by the Park Avenue Hillbillie Dorothy Shay at the peak of her career. As you will convince yourself the original long-throat analyzing reproducer has an incredible volume, it is in fact the loudest I presently own (click on pict.27 or go to youtube (ref.1) to watch the youtube video and read Dorothy's grandniece Kathy's comment).
Please
e-mail
me (Kris) for any questions, ich spreche Deutsch, je parle Français.
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