Antique Pathé Réflex Gramophone. Pathéphone 17. France, 1920s.

Amazing antique Pathé Réflex gramophone - Phonograph(Pathéphone 17) made in France in the 1920s and finely preserved. This lovely article is entirely original from the time, and preserves all its component parts including the turntable felt covering with its original label. The felt is quite worn by the trace of time but it still fulfills its duty, protecting the records from wear and making them stable when played. The gramophones motor is in really good condition and works fine, making it possible to play the records with a loud and clear sound. The device is designed to play only Pathé records: the gramophone comes with six ones with the brand name printed on the paper covering. The gramophones box is a superb light-colored solid-wooden piece, maybe lemongrass or cherry. The wood remains in wonderful condition and preserves the original French-polish finish that protects the surface and provides it with a gorgeous satin finish. The boxs front side is decorated with an original brand decal, in great condition and full color: a circular image depicting an earth globe and a discus thrower holding a Pathé record. The silvery-metal arm and reproducer remain in good condition too: the reproducer is a Concert model by Pathé with a sapphire needle. The needle is permanent and does not need to be replaced; its quality makes it possible to enjoy a neat and loud sound when playing the records. Impressive and entirely original from the time, this antique Pathé Réflex Pathéphon Nº 17 gramophone will draw everybodys looks in the most stylish dining room. Measurements: Side: 17.6 in / 44 cm. Height: 15.2 in / 8 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.