Antique French HMV Gramophone-Phonograph. Cockshell Monarch. France, 1910-1915

Beautiful French His Masters Voice gramophone or phonograph, Cocksell Monarch model, made in France between 1910 and 1915 and in striking condition and working order. This outstanding device preserves all its original component parts and pieces, except for the felt covering the turntable. It mounts a double-spring motor with drum brake; the motor works really fine and provides a loud and clear sound. The box is a lovely piece made of solid oak wood, with molded top and base and of a fine romantic style. It has carved columns at the corners and hand-carved scallops and leaves decorating the sides. The wood is protected by a fine French-polish finish, warm, shiny and in perfect condition. Over the box stands the set composed of the arm, the reproducer and the horn. It is attached to the box by a lean silvery-metal elbow. The side where the elbow is connected also bears an original decal with the manufacturing companys name. THE GRAMOPHONE AND TYPEWRITER COMPANY. The reproducer is an original EXHIBITION model; these reproducers were made by the firm in order to be mounted in their own gramophone. They are quite renowned for their excellent performance. The horn is a spectacular metal morning glory piece and with the original bluish-black enameled finish in amazing condition. This exceptional French His Masters Voice gramophone, model Cockshell, is a museum piece which will be perfect as a decorative element and to play old-time records too. Dimensions: Box: Side: 13.4 in / 34 cm. Height: 6.5 in / 16.5 cm. Horn: Length: 29.72 in / 75.5 cm. Mouths Width: 23.62 in / 60 cm. History of His Masters Voice Inside the cover we find the famous brand logo with the inscription HIS MASTERS VOICE clearly printed in golden lettering. 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).