Antique Columbia Model B Phonograph. USA, circa 1900

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Antique Columbia Model B Phonograph. USA, circa 1900

A stunningly beautiful antique Columbia Model B phonograph, manufactured in the USA circa 1900 and in excellent condition. This exceptional piece has survived to the present day with all its original parts and components, including the original reproducer (which is extremely rare). The phonograph features a gooseneck horn, an attractive and quite unusual design. It works perfectly and can play vintage cylinders so you can enjoy their nostalgic sound. The item comes with three Columbia-brand cylinders, all in excellent condition. The cases are the originals and bear the beautiful vintage labels featuring the brand name, COLUMBIA PHONOGRAPH COMPANY, and the image of a woman dressed in a stars-and-stripes costume.

The phonograph stands on a solid oak base, which is in good condition and retains its original varnish. On the base, there is a rectangular plaque bearing the companys name and address. There is also another plaquethis one squareinscribed with THE GRAPHOPHONE, the model (Type B), and the serial number 106569. The mechanism is made entirely of silver-plated metal, as is the original reproducer (which is engraved with the word REPRODUCER). The only part that stands out from the rest is the beautiful horn, made of brass and in very good condition. The phonograph also retains its original oak cover, featuring the stunning original logo in nearly impeccable condition.

This spectacular antique Columbia Model B phonograph will stand out in its own right in a music room, living room, or large collection.

Dimensions: Base: Width: 30 cm. Depth: 18.5 cm. Height: 50.5 cm. Horn: Mouth Diameter: 27 cm.

History of the Columbia Gramophone Company

The Columbia Gramophone Company, originally the Columbia Phonograph Company, was one of the worlds leading record labels of the 20th century. It was also a pioneer in the manufacture and sale of phonographs and gramophones. Initially, in the 1880s, Columbia was engaged in the sale of phonographs in Washington. In 1893, it merged with the American Graphophone Company, which held the rights to a new cylinder format with improved features; from that year onward, Columbia began producing phonograph cylinders. At the beginning of the 20th century, a competitor emerged: the Victor Talking Machine Company, which specialised in the manufacture of records. Columbia responded by offering both cylinders and records, although within a few years it ceased production of cylinders. In 1920, the advent of radio broadcasting caused the companys success to falter; times were difficult until World War II, when the company regained its momentum. In the late 1960s, Columbia changed its name to CBS Records and expanded rapidly. It created a new subsidiary label, Epic, and in 1968 partnered with the Sony Corporation. Together, they launched the Compact Disc in 1982. Shortly thereafter, Sony acquired CBS Records; today, the record label continues to exist as part of the Japanese multinational.