This model was made for a number of years, and during that period underwent some changes in equipment, though the cabinet stayed pretty much the same.
Improvements were made to the motor, tone arm and soundbox.

*The soundbox made playing simple. Horns were nickel-plated brass in a flower shape.

As Timothy Fabrizo and George Paul wrote in their Book: "The Talking Machine An Illustrated Compendium"; "The Columbia "BI" of 1905 ($45.00) shared the cabinet of the second model "AH." In fact, the earliest examples retained the distinctive carrying handle of the front mount machines. The "BI" remained in production over some seven years, during which various changes were made. The carrying handle was soon eliminated, as was, much later, the turntable dust
ring. (Courtesy of Dan and Sandy Krygier.)" The authors also noted that today, the value of the "BI" pictured, is $1,500.

* "The Illustrated History of Phonographs," by Daniel Marty.