Secrets of a Traveller's Phonograph

[Valecnik]

Starkton,

You have a much more creative mind than I do. I'm not sure I'd have figured it out.

I'm surprised that the case is deep enough to close with the tone arm and back bracket in there. Those springs come pretty close to the bottom when the case is closed on many Victor machines anyway.

Could you also post some pictures of the machine all set up?

Thank you,

[Starkton]

You are absolutely right, it fits very tight. Some small, but characteristic, wear marks on the tapered arm (and some abrasions on the inside of the case) showed me that the "building blocks" were actually used.

I repeatedly checked the measurements, and foresightedly protected the tapered arm with a thin tissue, but nevertheless drops of sweat formed on my forehead when I carefully closed the lid. I could have simply claimed my hypothesis was correct, without actually testing it, but my "instinctive thirst for knowledge" was stronger.

I will post the photos when my digital camera is repaired.

[Starkton]

As promised, here are a few photos of the traveller's phonograph (Deutsche Grammophon A.G., Monarch No. 15, 1903-04). The case is natural oak, which is typical for D.G.A.G. models. Only the horn needs a little polish, otherwise the condition is very nice.

[solophoneman]

What a beautiful Gramophone with eloquent ornate features. It even has a nickle plated horn support that gives it even more class. Thanks for sharing.

[syncopeter]

In hindsight my guesstimate of 1905/6 is quite probably out and your date is the correct one. It is a very beautiful machine in itself and having that bespoke interior makes it quite unique. I don't think there is another one still in existence, maybe there never was another one like it.

[alang]

What a stunning machine, and in great condition too. Congratulations!

Being of German origin myself I can't help but notice the spelling of Grammophon with the double "m", which is used only in Germany as far as I know. Does anyone know where this comes from? Since Emile Berliner and his brothers Joseph and Jacob founded the Deutsche Grammophon GmbH, they obviously knew the "correct" spelling gram-o-phone or gramophone. Did they use the different spelling to circumvent their contracts with Frank Seaman?

Just curious, since Grammophon in Germany and gramophone in the rest of Europe is pretty much used for every disc phonograph, even including Diamond Disc machines.

Andreas

[Starkton]

Being of German origin myself I can't help but notice the spelling of Grammophon with the double "m", which is used only in Germany as far as I know. Does anyone know where this comes from?

I am very happy about the positive comments concerning my Monarch No. 15.

Andreas, the spelling of "Grammophon" with double "m" is very old. It was introduced by Emile Berliner himself when he arrived in Germany in the autumn of 1889. The term "Grammophon" is indeed common only in the German speaking countries or regions. Berliner's first use of the term "E. Berliner's Grammophon" on his discs is documented from December 1889.

Interestingly, "Grammophon" was applied for in Germany as a word mark very late, in July 1899, and as a trade mark only in June 1903.

[phonogfp]

Stephan,

Years ago I made a deliberate decision to limit my collecting to machines from the USA. But if I should ever happen across a machine like yours, I'd need to reconsider... Beautiful!

George P.

[Jerry B.]

I usually associate a machine with a record hold down as one that started as a front mount machine. With that said, I once owned an early Vic D with a record hold down and the D was never offered as a front mount machine. Is there any indication that your machine started as a front mount? Jerry Blais

[Starkton]

I usually associate a machine with a record hold down as one that started as a front mount machine. With that said, I once owned an early Vic D with a record hold down and the D was never offered as a front mount machine. Is there any indication that your machine started as a front mount? Jerry Blais

I am sure that this specimen didn't start as a front mount, but the first batch in 1903 perhaps did. Today, I found another "travelling phonograph" on the internet. It is the little brother of my No. 15, the single spring motored Monarch No. 11. From the photo with removed horn support which rudely covers the "Grammophon" trade mark, see below, it is apparent that this No. 11 was converted from a German front mount machine. Strangely enough, a French horn support, which is painted instead of nickel plated, was assembled.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/phonogaler ... otostream/

In this case, the transport case is still there. I wonder how horn support and tonearm are stowed.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/phonogaler ... otostream/

PS: In France, the designation of this model, but with dark brown varnished case, painted horn support and "Compagnie Francaise du Gramophone" + "Writing Angel" trademark decal, was "Gramophone No. 7".