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I am offering a nice Columbia type A graphophone for your perusal. This machine dates to around 1897 or 1898. This model was the first “affordable” home entertainment phonograph offered to the public by Columbia. This particular machine is of interest for several reasons. First, it was sold by Montgomery Ward as can be seen on the Montgomery Ward decal placed over the Columbia address label in photo # 9. Second, the Columbia A models were first produced in Washington D.C. from late 1896 until the firm moved to New York in 1897. The Washington Models carry a Washington D.C. address on the label and on the patent plate. The Washington D.C. model also decorated the black enamel cast iron upper-works with gold leaves and berries. After the move to New York, the label and patent plate address was changed to New York AND the upper-works decorations were changed to red flowers with gold stems. On this particular example, the patent plate and (presumably) the label carry the New York address, however, the upper-works have the Washington D.C. gold leaves and berries as can be seen in the photos. Was this a machine made soon after the move and extra Washington D.C. upper-works were being used on New York bases? An interesting transitional model.
This machine runs well, will play through a cylinder on one winding. Everything is original except for the fall off crank, which is a reproduction. This machine will be well-packed and double boxed to insure safe arrival. An interesting and unique example of an early transitional Columbia Graphophone type A.
If you are the winning buyer, please do not pay until I can calculate shipping and send an invoice.
Please ask questions and thank you for looking.
