Graphophone Type “AA” – Small Decal, St. Louis & Milan Exposition

Object/Artifact

-

Edisonium

Name/Title

Graphophone Type “AA” – Small Decal, St. Louis & Milan Exposition

Entry/Object ID

248

Description

American Graphophone Company, USA – ca. 1901–1906 Smallest Model in the Columbia Graphophone Cabinet Series Historical Background The Graphophone Type “AA” was introduced in the Columbia catalog in July 1901 and represented the smallest and most affordable cabinet model in Columbia’s product line. Positioned above the portable Q and Eagle models in the model hierarchy, it offered remarkable value for its $18 price: included were a recorder (valued at $5) and a 10‑inch nickel‑plated horn – both of which were optional extras on the Eagle. It is very likely that its concept was inspired by the miniature phonograph showcased at the 1900 Paris Exposition (“World’s Smallest Talking Machine”). Technical Features & Highlights Chassis: Fully nickel‑plated aluminum chassis with decorative “jeweled” machining on the sides Motor: Compact two‑spring motor, borrowed from the Type “B” Governor: 3‑ball governor Reproducer: Columbia aluminum sound box (#2) Cabinet: Solid oak with fine rope‑molding trim, turned corner columns, and inset panels Innovation: “Drop‑Frame” mechanism – the tone arm lowers the reproducer into a horizontal playing position, placing greater weight on the stylus. This improved groove tracking and slightly increased volume. Decoration & Awards The front of the machine bears the small gold “The Graphophone” banner decal (“Small Decal”), found only on very late production variants. The reverse side features the elaborate exposition award decal, listing Columbia Graphophone’s highest international honors: Paris Exposition 1900 – Grand Prize St. Louis Exposition 1904 Milan Exposition 1906 Significance & Rarity With only about 12,500 units produced, the Type “AA” is a sought‑after collector’s piece today. The example displayed at the Edisonium combines the rare late‑production Small Decal on the front with the exposition award decal on the back – a particularly appealing and historically significant combination.