Outstanding! Columbia Model AS Graphophone Coin-Op Watch a Video of this Machine Playing a Record! Start Price USD 499.99 Current Price USD 7,701.01 Time Left - Bid Count 20 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Monday, December 01, 2008 End Time Monday, December 08, 2008 Location Findlay, Ohio See more about 'Outstanding! Columbia Model AS Graphophone Coin-Op' Description Columbia Graphophone Model AS   Here I am offering for your consideration a gorgeous example of a Columbia Graphophone model AS, coin operated phonograph. Introduced by the American Graphophone company in 1898 at a price of $35, this machine was intended to entertain in taverns, stores or other public places.  Advertising of the day hailed it as a “Marvel of Price as well as of Mechanical Perfection”.  It was also touted to have “ LARGE and QUICK returns on a SMALL OUTLAY”.  At this time the talking machine was still relatively new and most homes did not have one.  The public fascination with this new technology created the demand for these machines and for new recordings to listen to. This kept clients coming back to hear the new ones when they arrived.  For the proprietor, the best part was that he could let the machine sell itself, as operation required no intervention on his part.  The machine has metal feet and would have been screwed to the counter top to prevent theft.  The customer would simply drop a nickel into the slot, wind the crank until it stopped and the phonograph played a 2 minute wax cylinder record.  It was quite ingenious and a true marvel of the day.    Please review all of the pictures and notice that this example has beautiful original amber colored finish with a great patina and a fantastic original decal.  The black enameled upper works are identical to that of a model A Graphophone and have outstanding decorations of red flowers and gold stems. All of the pen striping and Graphophone stencil are very solid. The 2 front flowers show some fading of the red paint.  The others are strong.   The bed plate nickel is very good as is the nickel on the mandrel and other exposed metal.  The id plate shows a designation of “S” and the Serial Number is 223166.  According to Columbia Phonograph Companion Volume 1, by Howard Hazelcorn, “Some early productions models still had a Type ‘S’ Designation on the patent plate.  This was quickly replaced with the proper ‘AS’ plate”.  So this machine is from early in the production life.    It also has an original crank and original coin drawer. This crank is specific for the coin op as it has a recessed area to accommodate a washer and screw that fastens it to the mechanism.   The reproducer is the correct #2 type reproducer with a set screw to hold it on the trunion.  The reproducers used on traditional machines either had a knurled set screw or none at all.  It has an original soldered seam 14 inch all brass horn and original horn elbow.  The feet to hold the machine to the counter top are original as well.  Also included with this machine to enhance the display is a copy of an original “Coin-Slot Graphophones” advertisement, which pictures this model, and  3 Liberty nickels from the period including one from 1898, the year the machine was introduced. Also included,  Columbia 2 minute cylinder  No. 31644 “First Brigade March” By Gilmore’s Band. This is a smooth rim black wax record announced that is played by Columbia Band and is in it’s orinal box with the original lid.  The title info is printed on the recording edge instead of the end.     The machine plays flawlessly.  The motor has been cleaned and adjusted and will play a 2 minute record through with even tempo. The coin op mechanism works fantastic.  It is a fascinating  bit of engineering,  the crank is locked in place until a coin is dropped in the slot.  With the coin engaged, the crank can be turned to wind the motor.  This also turns a timing gear in the motor that when fully wound, lowers the reproducer onto the record and turns the motor on.  When the crank is released, the machine begins to run and plays the record.  There is also a gear assembly, called a Geneva stop, to prevent over-winding.   At the end of the record the mechanism raises the reproducer, returns it to the beginning and turns off the motor.   As the timing gear returns it causes the coin to be released and drop into the coin drawer.    As is so often the case, this example has had a few parts that had to be replaced as they were missing when found.   Later, after the public’s fascination waned, these machines were often used in a home setting and the coin operated functions disabled for ease of use.  This machine’s timing gear and coin slot were removed as was the connection from the trunion to the horn elbow. These have been replaced with exact replicas.  On the cabinet, the sign board, which is nearly always missing, has been replaced with an outstanding replica with a faithful color match of the finish.    Overall this is a truly outstanding example of a very Desirable and Rare phonograph.  It is in great working condition and ready to enjoy in your collection of Phonographs, Coin- Operated devices or Technology.    I will double-box the phonograph and horn and pack everything carefully and properly.  The mechanism will be removed from the cabinet and boxed separately .  There will be 2 parcels shipped.  I can assure you that utmost care will be taken to assure safe delivery.  I have been shipping antique phonographs for years and I know how to do it correctly.  Local pickup is also an option and I will be happy to work with you if this is your wish.    If you're not already familiar with how to operate this machine,  I will provide you with simple, easy to understand  instructions regarding set-up and care.  I will also be glad to answer any questions about its use in the future if the need arises.   Buyer pays actual shipping charges. Please do not use the shipping calculator on ebay as there will be 2 parcels and no way to set this up in their sysytem.  Paypal okay.  Additional photos on request.  I am happy to answer any questions.  Thanks for looking!   CLICK HERE to See a Video of This Machine Playing A Record Powered by eBay Turbo ListerThe free listing tool. List your items fast and easy and manage your active items. On Dec-05-08 at 17:25:38 PST, seller added the following information:Please Note:  I am willing to ship this phonograph internationally to Europe, Canada, Austrailia, and Japan.  My Listing says otherwise and I have been unable to change it.  Shipping costs will be determined after the auction closes and the buyer will pay ACTUAL cost with no handling fee.  Thanks! Place a Bid!