Posted 10 years ago
hotairfan
(388 items)
Posted is a Columbia Graphophone Cylinder Player. It plays very well with the old wax cylinders that were made for the two (2) minute play. (Some later cylinder players were capable of playing two minute and four minute wax cylinders.)
It has an oak case, a witch hat horn, and a crane to support the weight of the horn. It looks as though it was newly purchased a few days ago, that's how nice it was kept. Not bad for 115 years old. This model has two wind up spring motors connected together so you are able to play a few songs before winding the crank.
Just perfect. Is the horn original? I believe it is. I have a phonograph, also a Columbia. Mine is also a two minute. The two minute cylinders are not easy to find either. I am sure you know this, but I find it interesting: These were invented by Edison to record phone messages (I am like 95% sure that is right). People my age walk around with their little iPhones and ear buds.....they used to lug this all way to a picnic or party just to have to wind it up to hear two minutes of scratchy music. I find that amazing. I especially like the crane on yours. GREAT FIND!!!
sorry to say, the horn is not original to this cylinder player. I purchased the cylinder player with the horn crane, but the born was not with it. I have several horns. I purchase them when I find them. I had to solder I loop on to the brass section to hook the horn to. It looks good, but, I don't want to pass it off as the original horn. Sometimes you have to add to an item to complete it's appearance. You should, however always the add on. By doing so, you keep the art and hobby of collecting antiques in an honest presence.
I agree hotairfan....well done! Thanks for the sharing this great item. I will post mine soon so you can take a look.