Antique Mikiphone Pocket Gramophone. Switzerland, Circa 1925

Antique Mikiphone pocket gramophone made in Switzerland circa 1925, complete and in working order. This singular device could be considered the father of the Walkman and the MP. It is only 4.4 inches in diameter and 1.8 inches deep, so it could be easily transported in order to play records anywhere. The item that we can see in the images is entirely original from the time and works fine. The silvery-metal container or can shows some slightly worn parts due to the trace of time, but this detail only increases the gramophones charm and authenticity it is a real museum piece. The lid preserves the engraved inscription with the devices name: MIKIPHONE SYSTEM VADÁSZ POCKET PHONOGRAPH PATENTED IN ALL COUNTRIES. If we open the metal can, inside we will find the different component parts that make up the gramophone. The parts are dismantled in order to fit inside the can, but they can be easily and quickly assembled. Inside the lid there is a circular paper sheet with a drawing of the motor, with numbers and letters that identify the different component parts. The system includes a foldable arm with a reproducer, a turntable and a black plastic speaker. The reproducer bears the same printed inscription as the lid this piece is original from the brand. At the back of the can we can see the engraved serial number 26-0852364. This antique Mikiphone pocket gramophone will delight any collector of old-time musical machines. Measurements: Diameter: 4.4 in / 11 cm. Depth: 1.8 in / 5 cm.Mikiphone Pocket Gramophone History The Mikiphone pocket gramophones history starts around 1917, when two Hungarian brothers, Miklós (Nicolas) and Etienne Vadász, start designing a small-sized gramophone. They did not finish their invention until 1924, which they then called Mikiphone as a homage to Miklós. That same year the Vadász brothers patented their product and hired a Swiss company Pillard, to mass-produce it. So between 1925 and 1927 near 180.000 units came out of the factory and went to the shops. Curiously enough, though many people think that the name Mikiphone refers to Mickey Mouse (as the gramophones shape reminds us of the cartoons head), actually the Vadász gramophone came out three years before the famous mouse was drawn by Walt Disney.