Columbia Grafonola Type G-2 Value Guide

The Columbia Grafonola Type G-2 represents a pivotal era in acoustic audio, designed by the Columbia Graphophone Company to compete directly with the Victor Victrola. This mid-range upright model is highly collectible for its elegant mahogany cabinetry and the innovative internal horn system that replaced the cumbersome external 'morning glory' horns of earlier years.

What Is Columbia Grafonola Type G-2 Worth?

The typical price range for Columbia Grafonola Type G-2 is $150 - $250 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The operational state of the hand-crank spring motor and the clarity of the sound produced by the reproducer.
• The condition of the mahogany veneer, specifically looking for water damage, sun fading, or original finish integrity.
• Completeness of original hardware, including the winding crank, internal shelving, and the felt on the turntable platter.
• The presence of original accessories, such as the needle cups or period-correct record albums stored in the cabinet.

How to Identify Columbia Grafonola Type G-2?

• Check for the original Columbia Graphophone Company decal or metal identification plate inside the lid or on the motor board.
• Verify the presence of the internal horn slats, often called 'louvers,' which are used to control volume by opening or closing the front doors.
• Inspect the mahogany cabinet for the specific G-2 configuration, which features a top-loading turntable and integrated record storage shelves in the lower half.
• Look for the original nickel-plated playback arm and the 'Columbia' branded reproducer head.

History of Columbia Grafonola Type G-2

Introduced by the Columbia Graphophone Company to compete with the Victor Victrola, the Grafonola was a premier line of acoustic record players. The internal horn design was a major innovation of the early 20th century, hiding the large morning glory horns of earlier years inside elegant furniture. The Type G-2 was a popular mid-range model that offered integrated record storage below the playback mechanism.