Europa
An Unusual Columbia Phonograph


Columbia Graphophone Co. arranged for the import of an inexpensive phonograph from Germany in 1914. The Europa was available in both external and internal horn models.

Since war broke out in Europe in August 1914, this phonograph would not have been imported much later than 1916 (the U.S. declared war on Germany in April, 1917).

Though possibly imported in good numbers, the external horn version is quite rare today. It features an unusual maroon steel case with leather like trim.
This particular phonograph came to me with a Hawthorne and Sheble horn, but more likely would have come with a heavier European fluted style horn. The back bracket is much the same as is on a Standard Talking Machine, right down to the decorative paint.
The Europa was likely meant to be sold by a company other than Columbia. However, no advertising has surfaced on this model. This machine shares the same single spring Columbia No. 1 "plate and pillar" motor as the Harmony model 12, comes with a 10 inch turntable and the Columbia No. 6 reproducer.
Very few external horn Europa's have surfaced, but I'll bet there are more out there. Check your attics!
 
Many thanks to George Paul and Tim Fabrizio for identifying this phonograph. More history on the Europa can be found in their upcoming book "Discovering Antique Phonographs."