Antique Pathé Pathephone Nº 10 Phonograph. With 2 Reproducers. France, 1915

Attractive antique Pathé Pathephone Nº 20 gramophone or phonograph with 2 reproducers, made in France in 1915 and in good condition. The gramophone is in fine working order it mounts a silent motor and provides a loud and clear sound. The two reproducers included mount a sapphire needle (for special records) and a sapphire needle (for standard records) each. The Neoclassic-style box is made of solid mahogany wood and is adorned with grooved corner pillars. It preserves the beautiful French-polish finish which enhances the great reddish color of the wood. At the front side there is a metal nameplate with the distributors name and address in Avignon, France. The crank side panel bears another plate, this time with the model: PATHEPHONE Nº 10. If we lift the top of the box, at the edge we can see the serial number 38963 stamped on the wood. The elbow which supports the arm, reproducer and horn set is made of chrome-plated metal. It is adorned with a simple embossed vegetal-inspired filigree. The two reproducers which can be mounted on the arm are signed by Pathé and we can see the companys name engraved in both. Last but not least, the Morning Glory horn is a spectacular and big-sized piece. It is the largest size of the Pathe house. It is made of metal and keeps the original satin black-enameled finish in amazing condition. The nerves and the edge are painted gold, making up a gorgeous and elegant combination. With an imposing presence and entirely original, this antique Pathé Pathephone Nº 10 with 2 reproducers is bound to dazzle any collector or lover of musical antiques. Dimensions: Box: Side: 15.35 in / 39 cm. Height: 7.68 in / 19.5 cm. Horn: Length: 27.56 in / 70 cm. Mouths Width: 23.62 in / 60 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.