Antique Monarch Junior Gramophone with Front Stand. England, Circa 1903

Antique Monarch Junior gramophone with frontal mount, made in England circa 1903 by The Gramophone Company (later His Masters Voice) and in working order. This is one of the first versions of the model, a very attractive design with a strong decorative power. The motor has been fine-tuned and cleaned to guarantee a good performance, so today the gramophone works really fine and makes it possible to play old-time gramophone records. This device is entirely original from the time except for some component parts that have been replaced. We are talking about the wooden mount that supports the horn and the metal parts of this piece. The leather elbow is also a replacement; the original one disappeared with the trace of time. This is normal in these items because of the logical deterioration of the material. After this restoration the gramophone is complete and works perfectly. The gramophones horn is similar to those of ancient phonographs. It is made of black-painted metal the finish shows off a lovely antique patina that provides the device with authenticity and charm. The horns mount is made of brass and remains in amazing condition. The horn bears a riveted metal plate with the name and address of the original distributor, quite a rare feature in these items. The box is made of solid oak wood and boasts a beautiful dark satin finish. As for the reproducer, is an original Exhibirion model signed by the Victor Talking Machine Co. A gorgeous piece itself, this antique Monarch Junior gramophone with front mount is a very special piece which will stand out in any place. Measurements: Horn: 14 inches in diameter (35 cms) x 24 inches in length (60 cms). Case: 13.8 inches wide (34.5 cms) x 13.8 inches long (34.5 cms) x 6.8 inches tall (17 cms)History of His Masters Voice The brand was created in 1899 from a picture by Francis Barraud depicting the dog Nipper listening to his dead owners voice coming from a phonograph. The Gramophone Company bought the picture, but before they told Barraud to change the phonograph for a gramophone of their own. The rest is history: the image became worldly famous and the firm eventually changed its company name for the brand name. The Gramophone Company, based in the United Kingdom, was one of the early recording companies. The company was merged with the Columbia Graphophone Company in 1931 to form Electric and Musical Industries Limited (EMI).