The 'Thornward' was a custom machine made around 1901 exclusively for the Montgomery Ward company, for catalog sales. Columbia used up obsolete Type N upper works, mating them to the newer Type A motor. Fewer than 12 are reported to exist, most with a large square decal and only a few with a banner decal as seen here.

This machine may be the most pristine original phonograph I have owned in over 40 years of collecting. Not only is it as clean and bright as the day it was sold, it came with the original reproducer and recorder in original boxes, an updated larger reproducer in original box, and a 24" accessory horn and stand. Even the stitched leather belt is original. It also included a box of several home recordings by the original owners, "Fred & Amie"!