$18,800
Columbia Toy Graphophone, with 3 1/2-inch dia. cast-metal turntable and shaped base in original maroon paint with gilt lining, steel spindle, mica Graphophone reproducer, threaded handle with cup at the top for turning by finger, and black japanned tin horn (lacking sleeve), wd. 5 1/2 in., and five wax cylinders (one cracked) in original carton with label, all contained in the maker's packing box with label on lid The Toy Graphophone, A Mechanical Marvel. As Simple in Operation as the Turning of a Wheel. A Fun-Maker for the Nursery. An Unfailing Source of Delight for Little Folks , and illustrations, advertising and operating labels on the four sides, wd. 7 in., (approx. 3/4-inch wd. strip of wood missing on lid, some light paint wear, chip on the metal horn mount). Note: Introduced in 1899, the Columbia Toy Phonograph was originally advertised for $3, with wax records sold in packs of five for an additional 50 cents. The heavy turntable, which mounts on a spindle on the teardrop-shaped base, acts as a flywheel when the handle is turned by fingertip. The present example is in excellent original condition, with few signs of use. The labels enthusiastically advertise the phonograph as a "veritable visitor from Wonderland, a marvel that never loses its fascination" and state that "No harm is done and very funny results are obtained by reproducing the records backwards which is done by simply reversing the motion of the hand, beginning with the reproducer near the rim of the Read more…
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2006-07-29
