Antique French Pathé Phonograph Model 2. France, Circa 1900

Antique French Pathé phonograph model 2 to be used with Inter cylinders, made in France circa 1900 and in excellent condition. The phonograph works fine and can be used to play old-time cylinders and enjoy the unmistakable and nostalgic early-20th-century sound. In order to do so, the phonograph is accompanied by an original Pathé cylinder in its original cardboard packaging. The phonograph is completely original from the time except for the reproducer, a faithful replica of an antique Pathé model. The phonograph is mounted in a solid-mahogany box with artisanal dovetail joints and milled molded base. The box contains the motor, which can be winded up with the original key. Over the box´s top stands the external mechanism, composed of the mandrel (a cylindrical metal piece), the reproducer and the horn. All the component parts are made of silver metal and remain in excellent condition, showing no signs of rust or wear. The mechanisms twin arms bear hand-engraved inscriptions with the brand name and logo (a singing rooster). When not in use, the phonograph can be stored and protected under a solid-mahogany curved lid with a carrying handle. Authentic and really special, this antique French Pathé phonograph model 2 to be used with Inter cylinders is an exclusive piece, worthy of the best collection.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.