Echo - Fon Gramophone Soundbox

Discussions on Talking Machines of British or European Manufacture
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Enrico
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Echo - Fon Gramophone Soundbox

Post by Enrico »

Another finding in my collection.
Do you know for what machines this soundbox was meant?
Thanks,
Enrico
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Curt A
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Re: Echo - Fon Gramophone Soundbox

Post by Curt A »

That's definitely a strange reproducer... maybe there is an Echo-Fon machine somewhere.
"The phonograph† is not of any commercial value."
Thomas Alva Edison - Comment to his assistant, Samuel Insull.

"No one needs a Victrola XX, a Perfected Graphophone Type G, or whatever you call those noisy things."
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Ahmed
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Re: Echo - Fon Gramophone Soundbox

Post by Ahmed »

That's peculiar, I like!

How does it sound?

epigramophone
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Re: Echo - Fon Gramophone Soundbox

Post by epigramophone »

Apart from it's unusual square shape, the main feature of interest is the thumbscrew at the centre of the horizontal bar. It could be made to press against the stylus bar to reduce volume, in much the same way as placing a finger on the stylus bar of a conventional soundbox whilst playing.

James, Roberts & Co Ltd of London were established as general merchants, importers and exporters in 1910 and were incorporated in 1913. Among the products which they handled were the "Playola" player piano and the "Echophon" gramophone. Your "Echo-Phon" soundbox may have originated from the same source.

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Curt A
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Re: Echo - Fon Gramophone Soundbox

Post by Curt A »

This patent number might shed some light on its origin...
Screen Shot 2021-02-15 at 2.18.07 PM.png
"The phonograph† is not of any commercial value."
Thomas Alva Edison - Comment to his assistant, Samuel Insull.

"No one needs a Victrola XX, a Perfected Graphophone Type G, or whatever you call those noisy things."
My Wife

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poodling around
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Re: Echo - Fon Gramophone Soundbox

Post by poodling around »

I think I have found the patent for this soundbox.

https://worldwide.espacenet.com/patent/ ... A?q=127176

I love it and wish it was mine !

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poodling around
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Re: Echo - Fon Gramophone Soundbox

Post by poodling around »

Curt A wrote: Mon Feb 15, 2021 2:19 pm This patent number might shed some light on its origin...

Screen Shot 2021-02-15 at 2.18.07 PM.png
Exactly my thoughts too !

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Curt A
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Re: Echo - Fon Gramophone Soundbox

Post by Curt A »

Patent drawing...
Screen Shot 2021-02-15 at 9.01.08 PM.png
"The phonograph† is not of any commercial value."
Thomas Alva Edison - Comment to his assistant, Samuel Insull.

"No one needs a Victrola XX, a Perfected Graphophone Type G, or whatever you call those noisy things."
My Wife

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Enrico
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Re: Echo - Fon Gramophone Soundbox

Post by Enrico »

Ahmed wrote: Mon Feb 15, 2021 1:54 pm That's peculiar, I like!

How does it sound?
I haven't tried it yet. It didn't fit the machines I had with me in that moment.

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Enrico
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Re: Echo - Fon Gramophone Soundbox

Post by Enrico »

epigramophone wrote: Mon Feb 15, 2021 1:57 pm Apart from it's unusual square shape, the main feature of interest is the thumbscrew at the centre of the horizontal bar. It could be made to press against the stylus bar to reduce volume, in much the same way as placing a finger on the stylus bar of a conventional soundbox whilst playing.

James, Roberts & Co Ltd of London were established as general merchants, importers and exporters in 1910 and were incorporated in 1913. Among the products which they handled were the "Playola" player piano and the "Echophon" gramophone. Your "Echo-Phon" soundbox may have originated from the same source.
Makes sense! Thank you.

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