Amazing Antique Pathé Nº 4 Gramophone-Phonograph. 2 Reproducers. France, 1909

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Amazing Antique Pathé Nº 4 Gramophone-Phonograph. 2 Reproducers. France, 1909

Amazing antique Pathé Nº 4 gramophone or phonograph with two reproducers, made in France in 1909 and in very good condition. The motor has been fine-tuned in order to provide a good performance, so today the gramophone works really fine. It comes with two reproducers: an original Pathé model with permanent sapphire needle (exclusive for sapphire needle records) and another steel needle reproducer, for conventional standard records. It is supplied with records of both types to enjoy the nostalgic sound of the beginning of the century with both reproducers.

The horn is very rare and is the smallest model manufactured by Pathé, which was only marketed in 1909. It was retired after this year, so today the gramophones which mount it are rare collector’s items, very sought after. This one preserves the original red and gold enameled finish in great condition. The solid-wooden box stands on a hand-carved base and shows the original Pathé decal, very well preserved too. The supports that holds the arm and the horn is made of black metal with golden filigree; it is a very attractive and well-preserved piece, just like the chromed-metal component parts.

This amazing antique Pathé Nº 4 gramophone-phonograph with two reproducers and rare horn is a real museum piece, a rare and gorgeous item worthy of the best collection.

Dimensions: Box: Side: 12.99 in / 33 cm. Height: 5.90 in / 15 cm. Horn: Length: 17.71 in / 45 cm. Mouth’s Width: 12.99 in / 33 cm.

Pathé Fréres - History

The company was founded as Société Pathé Frères in Paris, France in 1896, by the four brothers Charles, Émile, Théophile and Jacques Pathé. During the first part of the 20th century, Pathé became the largest film equipment and production company in the world, as well as a major producer of phonograph records. Charles Pathé had helped open a gramophone shop in 1894 and established a phonograph factory at Chatou. Having decided to expand the record business to include film equipment, the company expanded dramatically. To finance its growth, the company took the name Compagnie Générale des Établissements Pathé Frères Phonographes & Cinématographes. In 1902, Pathé acquired the Lumière brothers' patents; by 1909, they had built more than 200 movie theaters in France and Belgium. By the following year they had facilities in Madrid, Moscow, Rome and New York City plus Australia and Japan. Prior to the outbreak of World War I, Pathé dominated Europe's market in motion picture cameras and projectors.