Antique Columbia Gramophone Model Aj. Side Crank. Usa, Circa 1903

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This exquisite Columbia Phonograph Co. model AJ gramophone was manufactured in the United States around 1903, during the early years of transition from cylinder to disc. What truly makes this piece exceptional is that it belongs to the very rare version with side crank, a specific feature of the models produced between 1903 and 1905, and which today is almost impossible to find in this condition.

The case is built in solid oak with carved moldings and profiled base with relief motifs, typical of the refined craftsmanship of Columbia at the beginning of the century. The original decal on the front, with the inscription “The Disc Graphophone – Columbia Phonograph Co. New York, USA”, remains clear and complete, providing authenticity and historical value. The metal front support is elegantly decorated with vegetal reliefs and the word “Columbia” engraved, and holds a circular reproducer with the brand perfectly legible. All these original elements make this device a truly collectible specimen.

The two-tone metal horn, in gold and black, with conical shape, projects sound with strength and clarity. The spring-driven motor is in excellent working condition. Both the speed regulator and the start/stop mechanism are located on the side opposite the crank, as corresponds to this model. The only replaced element has been the turntable felt, substituted to improve playback without altering its aesthetics.

This gramophone is not simply a machine to reproduce records: it is an authentic conversation piece, a work with soul that encapsulates the mechanical and aesthetic elegance of an unrepeatable era. Its scenic presence transforms any space through the aura of history emanating from each of its lines and components. What really makes it extraordinary is the balance between originality, functionality and visual presence: a machine that is not only watched, but also listened to and admired.

This combination of authenticity, working condition and rarity makes this gramophone a safe investment for any serious collector, or the centerpiece of a decoration with true character. It is not common to find pieces of this level, so well preserved, so complete and so evocative. If you are looking for something unique, with history, beauty and growing value, this is the opportunity you will not want to miss. Do not miss the chance to incorporate into your collection such a rare and complete piece; what is truly exceptional does not wait long.

Measurements: Base 27 x 27 cm (10.63 x 10.63 in). Case height 12 cm (4.72 in). Horn length 41 cm (16.14 in). Horn diameter 24 cm (9.45 in).

History of Columbia

The Columbia Phonograph Company was founded in 1887 in Washington D.C. by Edward D. Easton, initially as a distributor of Edison phonographs and recorded cylinders. Very soon, Columbia began to manufacture its own compatible cylinders and recordings, becoming a pioneer in the commercialization of recorded music for the home. In the 1890s, when freed from the concession system of the North American Phonograph Company, Columbia could expand freely, consolidating its presence in the American market.

In 1894 it launched spring-driven phonographs for domestic use, expanding its commercial reach. To strengthen its position, it acquired rival companies such as the Chicago Talking Machine Co. and the Northern Talking Machine Co. At the beginning of the 20th century, Columbia entered the flat disc market, starting to manufacture disc gramophones from 1901, in direct competition with companies such as Victor.

One of its great successes was the launch, in 1907, of the Grafonola line, devices with internal horns designed to visually integrate into home furniture. These models represented an important aesthetic evolution compared to external horn gramophones.

During the 1920s, Columbia adopted the electrical recording developed by Western Electric, significantly improving sound quality. In 1931, its British subsidiary merged with the Gramophone Company (owner of His Master’s Voice), giving rise to EMI. In the USA, Columbia continued its independent path until it was acquired by CBS in 1938.

Today, the name Columbia remains one of the most venerated brands in the history of recorded sound, and its early machines, such as this AJ model, are considered technological and cultural treasures of the golden era of the gramophone.

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