Columbia Graphophone Q “Sears Special” on Cast Iron Base with Laboratory Plaque

Object/Artifact

-

Edisonium

Name/Title

Columbia Graphophone Q “Sears Special” on Cast Iron Base with Laboratory Plaque

Entry/Object ID

111

Description

Columbia Phonograph Company, USA, c. 1904 Special Model for Sears Roebuck & Co. – with Laboratory Plaque This exceptional phonograph is based on the popular second-generation Columbia Type Q but stands out due to its elaborately designed base: a heavy, nickel-plated cast-iron frame with lion’s paw feet and ornate scrollwork – produced exclusively for the mail-order company Sears, Roebuck & Co., Chicago. Columbia offered this special version under the designation “QA model” – fitted with a #7 aluminum reproducer and a 10-inch nickel horn, at a price of $10.00. The Sears version, enhanced with the decorative cast-iron base, sold for $12.50. Special Features of the Sears Edition Displayed at the Edisonium: Cast Iron Base with Floral Ornaments Highly decorative nickel-plated base featuring baroque scrollwork and lion’s paw feet, manufactured exclusively for Sears Roebuck & Co. Laboratory Plaque This specific machine bears a small round brass plaque – indicating it may have been a demonstration unit, a lab sample, or a presentation model directly from the Columbia Graphophone workshops. #7 Reproducer The more powerful aluminum reproducer replaced the earlier slant-neck #3 version, resulting in significantly improved sound quality. Technical Details (Sears Special Model, c. 1904): Model: Columbia Q, Second Style (QA Version) Motor: Single spring, 3-ball governor Reproducer: Type #7, aluminum Horn: 10–14 inch nickel horn Base: Sears cast-iron stand with lion’s feet (aftermarket accessory) Dimensions: Approx. 19 × 11 cm base; horn size varies Rarity and Significance Only a small number of Columbia Q phonographs were delivered with this ornate Sears cast-iron base. Even rarer is the combination with the original Columbia Graphophone Laboratory plaque – a strong indication that this machine was not just a retail model, but a promotional or exhibition piece from Columbia’s own production. Today, this “Sears Special” is considered one of the most visually striking and rarest versions of the Columbia Q ever made.