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Welcome To:
Columbia Cylinders
a little history about BC cylinders
by Mr. Larry Hawes

Columbia Phonograph Company Twentieth Century B C Cylinders

In July of 1905, to expand their cylinder market, the Columbia Phonograph Company introduced a new cylinder phonograph along with a new concept cylinder. The new cylinder machine and accompanying cylinders were marketed under the name "Twentieth Century". The marketing gimmick was adding an extra minute of playing time by extending the length of the cylinder from the traditional four inch length to a six inch length.

The colorful cylinder box
contained the usual Columbia "lady" holding the American flag but contained the additional wording "Twentieth Century Talking Machine Record." The first machine and cylinders were given the designation of "BC" and had a sales price of a hefty $100 with the horn being an extra cost! Boxes were also issued without the colorful label but instead with as simple small identification band around the center of the cylinder box.

This band simply indicated "COLUMBIA RECORD" and the small notation "U.S. Letters Patent July 5, 1898; June 13, 1899; Sept 17, 1901; March 10, 1903; November 25, 1902." There were at least three types of lids used on the BC cylinders. The lid which allowed for the record number to be hand written into the available block space; the lid with the block space machine stamped with the record number; and finally, the more traditional lid with the song number, title and artist machine printed similar to the Columbia XP series.

The BC cylinders were released in small groups almost each month over the period July 1905 to July 1908 using the numbering series starting with 85000 through 85189. However, not all the intervening numbers were used. It appears that no cylinders were produced for the numbers 85054-56, 85155, 85163, 85171-72, 85179-80, 85186. Cylinders were also issued in numbers from 72500 to 72510; however, I have not been able to determine if 72505, or 72507-09 were actually used since I have not been able to locate titles for these cylinders.

Most of the cylinders sold for 50 cents each except for a small group called "Twentieth Century Classics" which sold for 75 cents each. Prices were reduced if purchased in lots of 12 or more. Over the period 1905 to 1907 several more models of cylinder machine were introduced which played the longer BC cylinders. These machines were priced from $45 to $70. From my discussions with other collectors and what has been documented in history, it appears that the "Twentieth Century" program was not the winner that Columbia had hoped it would be. Sales lagged behind projections and although Columbia continued to release new cylinder titles, the inventory of unsold cylinders mounted.

I have not been able to determine with any accuracy just how many cylinders of each selection were actually produced but by the summer of 1908 it appears that Columbia "pulled the plug." The company continued to market the cylinders by special order but for all intents and purposes the program was finished. Contributing to the further demise of the BC program was the introduction, by both Columbia and Edison, of the four minute cylinder in a four inch long format.

With hindsight, the BC program was a marketing mistake. Many of the cylinders remained in inventory and were later destroyed. Also the composition of the cylinder made it very susceptible to mold and mildew problems. These cylinders are still found today but are difficult to find in playable condition and do require the special long mandrel to play the cylinder. I welcome any corrections or additions to this summary and encourage you to contact me. I can be reached by e mail at:
HAWESCPA@aol.com Larry Hawes

WANTED: COLUMBIA TWENTIETH CENTURY
Description: Wanted -- Columbia Twentieth Century cylinders. These are the black wax 6" long cylinders. I will purchase outright or have other Twentieth Century cylinders or unusual cylinders for trade for the ones I am looking for. Highest prices and best trades. You can reach me by email at HAWESCPA@aol.com or by phone collect (425) 823-5818 or by fax at (425) 820-2629. Thank you. Larry Hawes

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