Featured Phonograph: Columbia AP

[Jerry]

MODEL:  AP
YEARS MADE:   1903 
COST:   $3
CASE/CABINET SIZE:  base 12" x 5.5"
REPRODUCER:   fixed in place

MOTOR: Single Spring
HORN DIMENSIONS:   10"
REPRODUCTION PARTS:  none  

 

 

Predesessor to the AQ. The AP had no leadscrew, depending solely upon the record groove to drive the reproducer. Leveling was crucial and delicate. The horn is suspended near its opening with a simple, vertical rod, with a pointed end that sits in a divot within the horn. The reproducer is rigidly mounted in the horn since it has no need to swivel. 

 

This example was purchased at a recent Stanton auction. It was a great surprise that the original paint cleaned up as well as it did. The striping and decal, however, is almost entirely gone. It should be striped the same as the AQ.

 

 

 

[Jerry]

Sorry for the quality of the pictures. I should have done this when I had more time...

[Tinfoilphono]

Very nice piece! I've always loved the unusual horn mount on the AP. 

[phonogfp]

A great companion to the AQ posted by Rene!  Thanks to you both for posting these interesting machines.

 

George P.

[Jerry]

Thanks guys! While this is by no means a pristine example, as is the case with the AQ, it's actually better than it photographs. I'm told that photographing in natural light is the way to go, (or buying machines in better condition perhaps 😉) The human eye is more forgiving than the camera lense, it seems. 

 

BTW, it appears as if we three are the total audience here. I realize that's probably an unfair exaggeration. No matter, I really enjoy this thread.  I hope others are inspired to join in.  Don't feel dissauded if you're not able to fill in all the blanks for the background information. I certainly can't... Fill in what you can and perhaps others can help with the other items. It's a chance for all of us to learn.

 

Thanks!

 

 

 

 

 

Edited 6 hours ago by Jerry

[Tinfoilphono]

Agreed -- I'm sure there are more AP and AQ Graphophones out there, I'd love to see some others to compare details. I'd also love to know if anyone has found any previously unreported ads or other ephemera mentioning them.