Name/Title
Graphophone Type “AQ” – Oxford / Sears SpecialEntry/Object ID
293Description
Graphophone Type “AQ” – Oxford / Sears Special
Columbia Phonograph Company, USA, ca. 1906–1909
Special version of the Columbia Type “AQ” with large, flared horn
The Type “AQ” was one of Columbia’s later compact table‑model Graphophones and was produced in very large quantities. It became one of the most successful mass‑market phonographs of its time and was sold through a variety of distribution channels – including major mail‑order companies such as Sears, Roebuck & Co.
The example shown here is the Oxford version made exclusively for Sears. It differs from the standard AQ primarily by its large, flared 10‑inch black japanned brass horn. This oversized horn not only offered greater volume but also gave the machine a more upscale appearance. Sears marketed this version under the trade names “Oxford Jr.” and “Harvard Jr.”.
Technical Features
Spring‑motor with a single mainspring enclosed in a sheet‑metal housing
Exposed three‑ball governor with speed control
Sturdy trivet‑style base of black‑enameled cast iron
Aluminum No. 6 reproducer with fixed “half‑nut” coupling
Coarse‑pitch feedscrew without separate adjustment screw (unlike the Type “AP”)
Direct lowering of the reproducer onto the cylinder, without a leveling screw
Historical Context
The AQ did not appear in Columbia’s regular catalogs but was listed in internal sales literature and sold primarily through mail‑order houses and special promotions. Sears offered it as an affordable complete package – often bundled with several cylinders – and, thanks to large‑scale distribution, was able to sell it at very competitive prices.
With its compact design, ease of operation, and robust drive system, the AQ became one of the most widely distributed Graphophone models. The Oxford/Sears version added an acoustic advantage through its large horn, making it even more attractive to buyers who wanted both volume and visual appeal.
Significance in the Edisonium Mariazell
The example on display is an original Oxford version with its large, flared brass horn, preserving the features specific to the Sears special edition. It illustrates how Columbia collaborated with major mail‑order houses to target different customer segments and represents the shift from a standard mass‑market model to specialized versions tailored to specific retail partners.
