Oxford BKT Graphophone for sale

This unusual and rather scarce Graphophone, a variation of the Columbia BKT, was most likely sold by Sears as an Oxford. It appears first in a 1909 Sears catalogue as an Oxford Tone Arm Cylinder Machine Type GH.

The case contains a regular Columbia BK/BKT mechanism, but is slightly smaller than a true BKT case, and is fitted with a lid unique to the Oxford version. As the case was not branded with a decal or any other identification, it may also have been sold by companies other than Sears. I've usually heard collectors refer to it as an Oxford BKT.

Columbia tone arm cylinder machines were introduced in 1907, an attempt to combine the convenience and amplification of a rear mount disc talking machine with a cylinder format. Many of the earlier Columbia models were offered as tone arm versions, with the letter T at the end of the designation most likely standing for tone arm, eg BG/BGT, BK/BKT. Edison never did anything quite like this, and most of the rear mount cylinder Columbias have always been harder to find and more desirable than their non-tone arm earlier versions.

This is a nice, original, untouched machine. The oak case has good original finish. The black horn, approximately 19 inches long with an 18.5 inch bell, has good original paint. One nice thing about this example is that it's complete with the telescoping arm and curved adapter that sits atop the neck of the reproducer; these parts are often missing from this model, and are impossible to find.

The Columbia spring contact reproducer is very strong, and this Oxford is playing smooth, loud and clear, as you can hear by clicking on the mp3, or on the youtube video below.

Price includes five original 2 minute cylinders.

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.