Columbia Graphophone Type “C” (Second Style) — The “Universal” Commercial Machine with Unmatched Capability

Imagine bringing home a true antique treasure — the Columbia Graphophone Type “C”, second style, affectionately known as the “Commercial” or “Universal.” This isn’t just another early talking machine. It’s one of the most ambitious, technically advanced, and historically misunderstood phonographs Columbia ever produced. A machine that, in its day, had the greatest potential of any talking machine of the 1890s — yet never received the promotional push it deserved.

Today, that makes surviving examples especially desirable. And this one is a standout.

Housed in its original, handsome oak cabinet with a clever drop‑down front, the Type C immediately commands attention. But its beauty is more than skin‑deep: this model represents a turning point in Columbia’s engineering, and it remains one of the most versatile and capable machines of the entire acoustic era.

⭐ Why the Type C Matters — Historically and Mechanically

Collectors often overlook the Type C, but they shouldn’t. It was a machine of firsts, lasts, and superlatives:

• The first talking machine ever built with a six‑inch mandrel, opening the door to extended‑length cylinders long before they became common.
• The last “business machine” to use a 100 tpi feedscrew, meaning it could play both office dictation cylinders and entertainment records — a rare dual‑purpose capability.
• The largest spring motor ever installed in a production Columbia Graphophone, giving it power, stability, and endurance unmatched by its contemporaries.
• Arguably the most versatile talking machine of the early industry, capable of handling a wider range of cylinders than nearly anything else of its time.
• A machine with enormous potential that Columbia barely promoted, making it one of the great “what‑ifs” of the acoustic era — and one of the most fascinating machines to own today.

Comparable high‑end “business machines” from the 1890s routinely sell privately for tens of thousands of dollars, yet the Type C remains undervalued and underappreciated — a gift to collectors who know what they’re looking at.

There is nothing “small” about a Type C Universal Graphophone.

⭐ Why You’ll Want This One

Versatile Playback

This machine gives you the rare ability to play both extended 6-inch cylinders and standard 4-inch cylinders, dramatically expanding the range of early recordings you can enjoy.

Engineering Excellence

Features like the trunnion ball with centering screw and the rocker device allow you to pause playback mid‑song while the motor continues running — a convenience that was revolutionary in its day.

Outstanding Original Condition

This example is exceptionally well preserved:

• The nickel plating on the bedplate gleams.
• The decals remain crisp and vibrant.
• The oak case retains its beautiful original finish.

Machines this complete and this clean are increasingly difficult to find.

Complete, Authentic, and Ready to Display

It includes:

• The original lid
• The original dated aluminum horn confirming authenticity
• The correct crank

This is a fully featured, multi‑spring motor machine that performs as beautifully as it looks.

A Centerpiece for Any Collection

The Columbia Type C is one of the most intriguing, capable, and historically significant machines of the early talking‑machine era — and yet it remains one of the most underappreciated. That makes this example a rare opportunity.

Whether you’re building a serious collection or looking for a show‑stopping historical accent for your home, this machine delivers presence, performance, and provenance.

Don’t just collect history — own one of the most ambitious talking machines Columbia ever built.