Columbia Cylinder Graphophone Type BV for sale

The little Columbia BV, one of the smallest of Columbia models, dates to 1908. It has been known to appear with and without Columbia decals, and there was also a rear-mount model with back bracket and tone arm, the BVT. The motor and unusual horseshoe shaped reproducer were unique to the machine.

The BV was introduced at a price of $12, a modest price at the time, but definitely not as inexpensive as something like the popular Columbia Q. Hazelcorn's Columbia Cylinder Phonograph Companion rates the BV as a relatively plentiful machine, but based on the number I have seen in over 50 years of collecting, I would differ. There wasn't much information available as to serial number range at the time of publication of Hazelcorn's book. This BV is stamped with a serial number in the 5000 range, and again based on the number of BVs I have encountered, that number could be in the upper range of BV production, which would make the BV a relatively scarce machine.

There is no evidence of a Graphophone decal on this example, but what's interesting is that there is an unbranded, florid decal still clearly visible on the rear of the cabinet. My guess is that there was at one time a matching decal on the front of the cabinet, which has weathered with age. Was this sold by Sears as an Oxford, or by some other mail order company? I don't know.

I re-belted this BV and lubricated it a little, and it is playing properly. I am also giving a hard-to-find original 14 inch brass and black horn with the BV, a $100 value by itself. The horn has some typical minor distress, but is overall quite decent.

You can see and hear the BV run in the youtube video below.

Case dimensions with lid attached are approximately 10.5 inches long, 7 inches wide, and 9 inches tall.

Price includes three 2 minute cylinders in good condition.

Interesting choice if you don't have a lot of room for display, and would like something different.

Inquire about this item

View more from this category

Lynn Bilton
Box 435
Randolph,OH 44265
330 325-7866

We buy, sell, and repair antique phonographs and music boxes.

Pick-up and delivery possible in many parts of the midwest,south, and northeast.