Rare Antique Gramolina Gramophone for Little Wonder-Type Records, c. 1915

Rare Antique Gramophone-Phonograph for Little Wonder-Type Records. Europe, circa 1915

This extremely rare European machine is something of a mystery, possibly of Swiss or German origin, although Spanish origin cannot be ruled out. It was made around 1915 and designed to play small-format Little Wonder-type records. It is accompanied by an album containing 17 Little Wonder records produced in the USA, an exceptional set that enhances its historical and collector’s interest. Although the original Little Wonder records were American, this machine bears a soundbox branded “Gramolina”, pointing to European manufacture, perhaps Spanish, clearly inspired by the successful American model of affordable records.

The design resembles a small phonograph cabinet in reduced scale, crafted in solid light wood with decorative metal fittings on the upper corners. Its compact size and balanced proportions make it a transitional piece between large salon gramophones and lower-cost domestic models. Despite its modest appearance, it is not a toy but a real machine intended for adults, especially those who wished to enjoy recorded music without being able to afford luxury apparatus.

The “Gramolina” soundbox is an uncommon brand, linked to Swiss and German production of the early 20th century and known for mechanical precision, though derived from the Spanish brand “Gramola”, so a Spanish origin cannot be dismissed. Moreover, it was found in Spain. The exact number of machines of this model produced is unknown, but no other example has been documented in catalogues or collections, so it could well be unique. The gramophone is in good condition and working order, though the sound wavers slightly. The turntable felt was replaced at a later date. The speed regulator doubles as the Start-Stop mechanism.

The cabinet, of notable quality, includes two lower compartments with doors, one intended for record storage and the upper acting as the sound outlet. The 17 Little Wonder records accompanying this piece are well preserved, with legible labels and recognizable sound, although the album that contains them shows severe deterioration of the inner paper sleeves. These sleeves, made from acidic pulp paper, have not survived the passage of time and crumble at the touch.

Although born from the “economic” current of phonography, this machine has undeniable beauty. Its balanced design, delicate metalwork, sober finish, and rarity elevate it to museum quality. Perfect for phonograph collectors or as a focal point in a historical interior, this small gramophone embodies the spirit of an era when recorded music first became widely accessible.

This gramophone is not only a unique collectible, but a transitional jewel, a tangible witness to how phonography reached all social classes. A piece with soul, with history, and with a presence that cannot be overlooked. If you are looking for something different, rare, authentic, and with undeniable historical value, this is an unrepeatable opportunity.

Measurements: Height 62.5 cm (24.61 in), Width 22 cm (8.66 in), Depth 25.5 cm (10 in).

History of Small Records and the Little Wonder

At the beginning of the 20th century, when large 25–30 cm records were still a luxury, Columbia Phonograph Company in the United States saw the opportunity to offer a more affordable format. In 1914 it launched the Little Wonder records, manufactured in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and sold for only 10 cents, compared to the 1 dollar price of standard discs at the time. Measuring 5.5 inches (13.5 cm) and spinning at 78 rpm, each side contained a single track of one to two minutes. Their low price allowed thousands of households to enjoy recorded music for the first time.

Although Columbia manufactured these records, it preferred to distribute them through the publisher Waterson, Berlin & Snyder, so as not to associate its name directly with a budget product. Many Columbia artists recorded for them, often anonymously. Their huge success inspired other companies worldwide to launch similar small records.

In Europe, several houses adopted this concept. Homophone/Homokord and Favorite Record in Germany, Pathé in France with its Pathé Baby series, Edison Bell in the UK with the 15 cm Little Champion discs, and Italian labels like Fonotipia all produced 10–15 cm records with popular repertoire. While varying in size, they shared the same philosophy: bringing music to the masses. Records larger than 15 cm do not fit this model, confirming its specialization for the smallest formats.

The Little Wonder phenomenon lasted until the early 1920s. Production of both discs and machines ceased after about five years, when larger records became cheaper and displaced the small format. Today, both Little Wonder records and machines designed for them, like this one, are highly collectible for their rarity, historic charm, and pioneering role in democratizing recorded sound.