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Antique Columbia Graphophone Company Dictaphone Model 7 Type A wax-cylinder dictation machine. For parts or not working condition and untested due to severely deteriorated electrical wiring. Features an exposed cylinder mechanism, large side flywheel, four-button control panel, speed adjustment, and black cabinet with gold “The Dictaphone” script. No wax cylinders, speaking tube, mouthpiece, or other loose accessories are included. Only what is shown is included.
Main Description
This listing is for an antique Columbia Graphophone Company “The Dictaphone” Model 7 Type A wax-cylinder office dictation machine.
The identification plate is marked The Dictaphone, Columbia Graphophone Company, Sole Distributors, New York, Model 7, Type A.
This early office recording machine was designed for spoken dictation using wax cylinders. The machine retains its exposed cylinder mandrel and carriage mechanism, large side flywheel, four-button operating control panel, speed adjustment, and Type N universal electric motor.
The motor is marked Type N Universal Electric Motor, No. 08233, made by American Graphophone Co., Bridgeport, Connecticut, U.S.A.
A patent label remains present with multiple U.S. patent dates extending through September 13, 1910. These are patent dates and are not being represented as the exact manufacture date of this individual machine.
A small numbered metal tag is also present and shown in the photos. The stamped characters are difficult to read with certainty, so no serial number is being represented.
The black cabinet retains gold-colored trim and script “The Dictaphone” lettering. The exposed gears, flywheel, cylinder mechanism, controls, and aged metal finish give this machine strong decorative appeal for antique office display, recording-history collections, vintage technology collections, industrial décor, or steampunk-inspired display.
No wax cylinders are included. No speaking tube or mouthpiece is included. No manuals or other loose accessories are included.
Only what is shown is included.
Condition
For parts or not working condition. Untested due to the severely deteriorated condition of the electrical wiring.
The old wiring is brittle, frayed, and deteriorating, with portions of the old covering/material shedding during handling. The wiring should be replaced and the machine properly inspected before electrical power is applied.
The large side wheel and mechanism can be moved manually in both directions. No further functional testing was completed.
Shows substantial age and storage wear including surface rust, oxidation, corrosion, paint and finish loss, scratches, grime, discoloration, and deterioration throughout.
The green covering/material on the bottom is heavily deteriorated and may continue to flake, crumble, or shed during handling.
Mechanical completeness has not been verified.
Rough Measurements
Wide: rough 12 1/2 inches
Deep: rough 6 1/4 inches
Tall: rough 11 inches
Weight: rough 21 pounds
All measurements are rough.
Item Specifics
Brand: The Dictaphone
Maker: Columbia Graphophone Company
Model: 7
Type: A
Recording Medium: Wax Cylinder
Machine Type: Cylinder Dictation Machine
Motor Type: Type N Universal Electric Motor
Motor Number: 08233
Country of Origin: United States
Material: Metal
Color: Black
Condition: For parts or not working
Included: Dictaphone machine only as shown
