Antique Columbia B Eagle Graphophone Cylinder Record Player
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:416622 | Modified Item: No |
Here's a great little Columbia B 'Eagle' Graphophone Cylinder Player.
Commonly known as the 'Eagle' because it could be purchased with a $10 Gold Eagle coin when originally sold in America (player only) and an extra $2 with the case.
One of Columbia's best selling models.
First introduced in 1897 and continued to be offered for around 10 years.
These were on the market and selling before Edison had started production of his little GEM players.
Revolutionalised ...by the invention of Macdonald's highly reliable double spring.
Unlike the Columbia Q model, this model plays a 2 minute record comfortably without the spring running out of strength.
A 2 minute record will also be suppled in this sale.
This comes with a cover that unfortunately has been damaged on the front. I have included a reproduction 'GRAPHOPHONE' banner water transfer if someone has the time to repair the cover.
Otherwise the base and the cover are in fair condition for their age.
The player's chassis and base are brushed metal and the 11 inch nickel plated horn and plated drum all have some surface corrosion as can be seen in pics.
These great little machines are very compact, measuring 12" (300mm) wide by 7 1/2" (185mm) deep by 7 1/2" (190mm) high with the cover on.
Whilst the horn is only 11" (280mm) and takes up very little space. In the first pic the horn appears to have a hole at the bell end. This is only a reflection when photographed.
If you wanted to own a piece of history and be able to play some of the World's earliest ever recorded voices and music then this little machine would suit you.It is so compact as to easily fit in your bookshelf or on your desk top in your home office.
This machine has been around for more than 100 years and there's no reason as to why it shouldn't be around for another 100 years or more.
The motor purrs beautifully and is a pleasure just to sit and watch the governor and gears spinning around smoothly whilst listening to the music.
A new reproduction "floating" Reproducer with a sapphire stylus made to exacting precision of the originals is supplied in this sale. The beauty of having the new Reproducer is that the sound reproduced is clear and sharp as it was meant to be when the machine was new and doesn't sound rattly and screeching as some of the old deteriorated ones do.
There is a speed control on the side that works well.
These machines were only ever designed to play 2 minute records as Edison had not at this stage had the concept to produce 4 minute records which required a different Reproducer and different gearing to achieve the desired result.
The 2 minute cylinder records quite often come up for sale on Ebay.
A fantastic little machine to start your collection or just to have as a piece of history. Displays well and will always be a talking point when friends visit and is also a great investment that will only keep going up in value at the same time you're getting enjoyment from it.
