Phonograph Maison Ch. & J. Ullmann M4 1899

[Aristophane]

Hello,

I am attaching photos of another phonograph that I have had for a while. I need to reattach the arrow, but otherwise it is in good condition.
It is made by Maison Ch. & J. Ullmann, a big name at the time that competed with Pathé and Edison in France in the early 20th century. It is the M4 model with a speed indicator - 1899
It's nothing like the robustness of the Spring Motor, even though it was sold as solid oak at the time. It must weigh 4 kilos. It seems that American oak doesn't have the same density!
Joking aside, the motor with its small spring can hold a cylinder for 2 minutes, not much more!
I quite like the “hygienic” earphones, as they were called, made of celluloid. I just need to find a nickel-plated hunting horn horn to complete it.
It cost 112 francs (Germinal) in 1899, which was the average monthly wage of a skilled worker in Paris (in the provinces, it was two months' wages! - that hasn't changed much, if at all).

[Aristophane]

Hello,

I am attaching photos of another phonograph that I have had for a while. I need to reattach the arrow, but otherwise it is in good condition.
It is made by Maison Ch. & J. Ullmann, a big name at the time that competed with Pathé and Edison in France in the early 20th century. It is the M4 model with a speed indicator - 1899
It's nothing like the robustness of the Spring Motor, even though it was sold as solid oak at the time. It must weigh 4 kilos. It seems that American oak doesn't have the same density!
Joking aside, the motor with its small spring can hold a cylinder for 2 minutes, not much more!
I quite like the “hygienic” earphones, as they were called, made of celluloid. I just need to find a nickel-plated hunting horn horn to complete it.
It cost 112 francs (Germinal) in 1899, which was the average monthly wage of a skilled worker in Paris (in the provinces, it was two months' wages! - that hasn't changed much, if at all).

For those wondering what SGDG means.
The abbreviation S.G.D.G. (often written Bré S.G.D.G.) is a legal notice found on almost all objects patented in France between 1844 and 1968.

It stands for: Sans Garantie Du Gouvernement (No Government Guarantee).

Why did this statement exist?
Contrary to what one might think, it was not a guarantee of quality, but a disclaimer of responsibility by the State.

The origin: According to the law of July 5, 1844, the State issued patents without any prior examination of the novelty or usefulness of the invention.

The purpose: The government wanted to avoid being sued if the invention did not work, if it was dangerous, or if it turned out to be a copy of an existing invention.

The obligation: The inventor was required to include this statement on their products. If they forgot, they risked a fine and the loss of their patent !

[drh]

Thank you for posting this--very interesting!