Antique Mignonphone Travel Gramophone. France, 1925

Antique Mignonphone travel gramophone or phonograph made in France in 1925, in very good condition and perfect working order. The only component element missing in this device is the carrying handle; the rest of the component parts and pieces, both esthetic and mechanic, remain in fine condition and are entirely original from the time. The gramophone works wonderfully and sounds really fine, making it possible to play ancient records with the nostalgic sound of those days. The box is made of wood and is covered of reddish-ochre leatherette. The covering is finely preserved though showing the logical signs of wear produced by the trace of time and the use, which provide it with authenticity and character. The inside surface and some of the removable parts are covered by a light-colored fabric in quite good condition. The box has a small compartment to store the metal component parts: the reproducer, the crank and the horns elbow. The horn itself is folded and attached to the lid, together with the metal rod that holds it in position when connected. The reproducer bears the printed brand name MIGNONPHONE in white lettering on black background, together with the manufacturers name. The chromed-metal component parts are in great condition, with no traces of rust and showing off a polished and shiny look that provides the whole gramophone with a very special feeling. Charming and in working order, this antique Mignonphone travel gramophone is a collectors piece with a nostalgic touch.Mignonphone Historia The Mignonphone was a groundbreaking gramophone in many senses. This pocket or travel gramophone was launched in the 1920; as well as being a really small device, it had other features that made a significant difference from its competitors. The most relevant ones was the octagonal shape of the reproducer; thanks to this feature, in the European versions the reproducer could be moved in order to play both vertical- and side-grooved records. The Mignonphone is one of the smallest gramophones ever manufactured; different versions were launched, some of them to be exported to America. Years later the manufacturing company gave licenses for its manufacturing in other countries such as Switzerland and the USA. In this country, Walker Products C. made and commercialized a fine version in a black-leather-covered box.