Set of Pathé Phonograph Cylinders. France, early XX Century

Attractive set of wax phonograph cylinders in their original protecting cases and cardboard box. Only one of the cylinders can be played in a proper phonograph. From a collectors point of view this is a very interesting item because of its antique age and rarity. It is composed of six Opera-type cylinders, made in France and dating from the early 20th century (1900-1910). Each protecting case bears a label attached to the lid with the printed manufacturers name (CYLINDRES PATHÉ), the title of the recorded song with the name of the singer and the musicians, and the articles serial number. Pathé Records was founded in the 1890s to commercialize Edison and Columbia phonographs and cylinders. It belonged to the Pathé brothers and was stablished in Paris; in the late 19th century they were already manufacturing their own cylinders and had offices and recording studios in London, Milan and Moscow. Pathé made phonograph cylinders until 1914 when they started producing gramophone records. The company was active until the 1930s. The cylinders cases boast an excellent condition, with the printed inscriptions clear and legible. The cardboard box where they are stored is also the original one: it is well preserved, covered outside by a delicate bone-colored paper simulating a reptiles skin. This paper has also been used to cover the inner side of the cases lids. Attached to one of the boxs sides we can see a paper label with the printed name and address of the shop where the article was originally sold: Salon du Phonographe 10, Rue Cannebière (Entresol). This set of six phonograph cylinders is an exclusive piece that any lover of ancient music will be proud to own. Cylinders Measurements: Width: 3.4 in / 8.5 cm. Height: 4.1 in / 10.3 in.