Gram-O-Phone = Zon-O-Phone, Zon-O-Phone > Gram-O-Phone

[Zwebie]

Interesting 1898 Add describes the Gram-O-Phone / Zon-O-Phone as the same machine.
But they picture an 1898 Gram-O-Phone.

The 1900 Zon-O-Phone Add describes the Zon-O-Phone as the Improved Gram-O-Phone.
But they picture a 1900 Zon-O-Phone Type A.

If you notice, both adds are sponsored by the NATIONAL GRAM-O-PHONE CO., Broadway, New York.

Cheers, Bob S.

[phonogfp]

In a couple of articles published in the APS magazine I've referenced the use of the Zonophone nomenclature by Frank Seaman as early as 1897. Seaman was concerned that the buying public was confusing "Gramophone" and "Graphophone." He thought "Zonophone" would be a good substitute for marketing Berliner's disc-playing machines. Several ads use both names, as well as a Berliner machine catalog. Apparently someone in the Berliner camp changed their mind about it, and Seaman was scolded for using Zonophone to sell Berliner Gramophones. Once he launched his own machine, he reverted to Zonophone.

Note also that the earlier ad is from the National Gramophone Company, but the later ad is from the National Gramophone Corporation (organized in March 1899).

George P.