Featured Phonograph: Columbia Type B Eagle Graphophone in Exhibitor's Case

[Tinfoilphono]

I posted this a few years ago on the other forum but the images have long since disappeared into the ether. I thought this would make a fun entry for this new round of Featured Phonographs:

 

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This is certainly not a fabulous rarity, though as a presumed one-of-a-kind I suppose it is rare, if not terribly valuable. I've owned it for over 25 years so it's time to pull it off the shelf and dust it off:

Make: Columbia
Model: Type B "Eagle"
Year(s) Made: 1897-1898 for this uncased style
Original Cost: $10
Case/Cabinet Size: 11 x 7.25 x 5.5
Turntable/Mandrel: conventional 2-minute
Reproducer/Sound-Box: Eagle
Motor: two spring, open works
Horn Dimensions: listening tubes
Reproduction Parts: rubber listening tubes (the splitter mount is original)
Current Value: ?
Interesting Facts: homemade carrying case

This is a one-of-a kind example of a cheap Graphophone in a homemade case made for use in public exhibitions. Although the lowly "Eagle" Graphophone was a much cheaper and more basic machine than those normally used for exhibitions, at least one company promoted them for the purpose: Sears Roebuck & Co. In the late 1890s the Sears catalog pushed the Eagle "at a price which brings them into the easy reach of those of small means, who wish to give public exhibitions... You can make $5 to $25 every evening by giving public exhibitions... by using hearing tubes and charging 5 cents for each individual."

The Type B "Eagle" was sold starting in September 1897 at $10 uncased or $12 with the rounded lid as typically found. This is an example of the uncased style, with the serial number stamped onto the belt cover. The machine is mounted to a simple board with drilled corners and fitted inside a very crude homemade case made of rough pine. Curiously, the exterior was carefully painted to simulate expensive burled wood, as can be seen in the closeup photo below. The Graphophone is securely nestled inside, with holes in the base fitting over metal posts inside the case. An extra-long winding key and speed control extend through the left side, making it very convenient to carry about and operate. The holes on the side for the key and control are filed to a vertical oval shape. This allows the right end of the machine to be lifted up to remove and replace a cylinder, without having to take the machine out of the carrying case. The construction is crude, yet thought out.

It was likely used by a small-town exhibitor to cadge nickels from customers in saloons and general stores. Curiously, the box has a Sears invoice label glued on the top. I suspect that the original owner fabricated the carrying case using wood from the original shipping crate in which Sears packed the Graphophone. Why the maker glued a fake 'label' after painting it with faux grain will forever be a mystery. But it was deliberate: he varnished over it for protection. Perhaps it was to imply to viewers that it was a professional machine from a respected source, rather than a cheap, homemade unit?

 

Edited January 18, 2023 by Tinfoilphono

[Django]

I remember that machine.  It’s a very interesting adaptation.  I look forward to the comments.

[alang]

A rare survivor that provides us a small window in the earliest days of the business of recorded music. Industrious people were looking for ways to make money of the new technology and other companies found ways to serve their needs and make money themselves. Still works in similar ways today. Thanks for sharing this beautiful artifact again.

 

Andreas

[phonogfp]

There aren't too many machines that can accurately be described as "one of a kind," but an exhibitor's machine like this certainly fits the bill.  I'm only sorry that the original owner of this Eagle cannot be traced - I'd love to know how long he exhibited this Eagle, and how well he did!

 

George P.

[Lee]

Thank you for posting this, greatly enjoyed it. I have a 2nd model "Q" Graphophone, now I want an Eagle. I'll never be able to save any money! Oh well.        😃 Lee