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Echo - Fon Gramophone Soundbox
Posted: Mon Feb 15, 2021 11:14 am
by Enrico
Another finding in my collection.
Do you know for what machines this soundbox was meant?
Thanks,
Enrico
Re: Echo - Fon Gramophone Soundbox
Posted: Mon Feb 15, 2021 1:50 pm
by Curt A
That's definitely a strange reproducer... maybe there is an Echo-Fon machine somewhere.
Re: Echo - Fon Gramophone Soundbox
Posted: Mon Feb 15, 2021 1:54 pm
by Ahmed
That's peculiar, I like!
How does it sound?
Re: Echo - Fon Gramophone Soundbox
Posted: Mon Feb 15, 2021 1:57 pm
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.
Re: Echo - Fon Gramophone Soundbox
Posted: Mon Feb 15, 2021 2:19 pm
by Curt A
This patent number might shed some light on its origin...
Re: Echo - Fon Gramophone Soundbox
Posted: Mon Feb 15, 2021 2:26 pm
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 !
Re: Echo - Fon Gramophone Soundbox
Posted: Mon Feb 15, 2021 2:27 pm
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 !
Re: Echo - Fon Gramophone Soundbox
Posted: Mon Feb 15, 2021 9:03 pm
by Curt A
Re: Echo - Fon Gramophone Soundbox
Posted: Tue Feb 16, 2021 3:32 am
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.
Re: Echo - Fon Gramophone Soundbox
Posted: Tue Feb 16, 2021 3:33 am
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.