Small but Excellent, one of the tiniest phonographs, the Columbia Q graphophone from 1897
In a Nutshell
It works like 123 years ago
Introduction:
The Columbia Model Q was designed and patented by Thomas Macdonald in November 1897 and introduced in January 1899. It is similar to the Type B "Eagle" but smaller and priced half at only $5.00. Edison's competing machine was their GEM at $7.50. The Q is a key-wound open works machine with a single spring motor, speed regulated by a 3-ball governor. It came standard with the popular #3 floating reproducer and flat or filigree winding key. A 10" japanned tin funnel horn was included.
About my graphophone:
The phonograph is all original. It is the second version of this model with cast iron bed plate and only 4 rubber feet and no cabinet provided, to fully exhibit the open works mechanics. The original decal has some little wear, that however does not warrant replacement. I had bought it not being told that the stylus was a fake made from plastic. I had to buy a new sapphire (1/32" = 0.8mm dia.) from Ron Sitco. The most appropriate 2-minute cylinders to be played on this phonograph are "Indestructibles", introduced by several companies only in 1907. The cylinder used in the video, is Columbia Nr. 1029 "O Promise Me" sung by Alan Turner. Winding the motor up 8 turns allows playing one cylinder to its end (youtube video by clicking on pict.22, or by going to ref.1). Please e-mail me (Kris) for any questions, ich spreche Deutsch, je parle Français.
Here are the specifications:
Technical Description of Item
Manufacturer
American Graphophone Co., New York
Distributor
Columbia Phonograph Company, New York, Chicago and others
