In theory, the history of the AK Disc Graphophone is straightforward. It was cataloged for only two years, from 1902-1903. During that time it went through two basic case styles with several variations in horn supports. The first style had a small, plain square case finished with green oak stain, and a brushed steel bedplate. The second series, of which this is an example, was introduced in 1903 with antique oak finish and black bedplate. This version appears to have taken design cues from the Zonophone Type C, with a very stylish case having pronounced fluting along three sides. It is far more visually appealing than the very plain first style machines.
In reality, the story of the AK is not that clear-cut. It seems that the so-called early cabinet machines intermixed or, more likely, were revived after those with the later fancy case. They were clearly sold long after the AK ceased to appear in Columbia catalogs. Several so-called early machines with plain cabinets are known with decals boasting of an award won at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair, well after these cases were supposedly replaced by the second style, and also long after they ceased to appear in catalogs. There are also many variations in the support arm and tone arm designs. It would seem that Columbia made frequent small or large changes, and intermixed parts during the production run, which obviously lasted longer than the catalog entries implied. (It's possible that the post-1904 first series machines were cobbled together from assorted leftover parts and were sold through Sears Roebuck, a major Columbia reseller.)
Like all AK Graphophones, this example has a 7" turntable but is capable of playing 10" records. The unusual tonearm is made of wood, deeply impressed with the Columbia name on both sides. Some of these second style machines have cast support arms embossed "Columbia," others, like this, have a decorative pattern. I have yet to see a second series AK with a 1904 award decal.
The AK was one of the first Columbia forays into the disc market, competing with Zonophone and Victor. (Columbia was the only company of the 'big three' to sell both cylinder and disc machines.) Priced at $15 (about $500 in today's dollars) it was a simple but reliable (if slightly noisy) machine. But it would soon be replaced by larger machines with rear-mounted horns.
This example is all original and in excellent condition for such an inexpensive early machine.
