Antique French His Master's Voice Monarch Gramophone. France c. 1912

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Antique French His Master’s Voice Monarch Gramophone. France circa 1912

This French Monarch gramophone by His Master’s Voice, made around 1912, is a wonderful testimony to the elegance and technical precision that defined the golden age of phonography. Its solid oak case, with harmonious proportions and a satin finish, displays finely carved mouldings and a warm tone that enhances the natural grain of the wood. On the front, the original decal “Le Gramophone – Paris – Breveté S.G.D.G.” stands out, clear and vibrant, with the famous motif of the dog Nipper listening to his gramophone, a universal symbol in the history of recorded sound.

The original black lacquered metal horn unfolds in a lobed shape of great elegance. Its antique, slightly satin reflections reveal the patina of time without losing brightness or presence. It is a horn with character, delivering a clear sound and powerful projection, fully preserving its factory authenticity. The nickel-plated tonearm shines flawlessly and supports a perfectly preserved Exhibition soundbox, with all inscriptions visible, an example of the precision and quality of The Gramophone & Typewriter Ltd.

The metal turntable, covered with new green felt, provides a fresh visual note that contrasts with the sobriety of the wood. The wooden-handled crank powers a single-spring motor, serviced and adjusted, running smoothly with stable, silent rotation. Overall, the mechanism is presented in excellent condition, evidence of the care and respect with which this piece has been restored.

Viewed from any angle, the machine radiates balance and authenticity. The nobility of the wood, the shine of the metalwork, and the majesty of the horn combine in a set of great visual beauty. This model embodies the technical and aesthetic refinement of La Voix de Son Maître in its French version, reflecting the craftsmanship of the European workshops associated with The Gramophone Company.

This gramophone is not only a collectible device but a piece with soul, a jewel that excites both with its sound and its presence. A mechanical work that condenses more than a century of sonic and visual history. Perfect for a demanding collector or as the centrepiece of a room with character. A unique opportunity to own an authentic, elegant and fully functional French Monarch.

Measurements: Base 34 x 34 cm (13.39 x 13.39 in). Case height 17.5 cm (6.89 in). Horn length 72 cm (28.35 in). Horn diameter 60 cm (23.62 in).

History of His Master’s Voice

La Voix de Son Maître is the French denomination of the emblem His Master’s Voice (HMV), linked to The Gramophone Company, founded in London in the late 19th century to exploit Emile Berliner’s flat disc system. The famous image of the dog Nipper listening to his master’s voice comes from Francis Barraud’s painting; the company acquired the rights and turned it into one of the world’s most recognisable commercial icons. In France, the brand operated as Le Gramophone and La Voix de Son Maître, producing and marketing devices and records under licence, with local workshops adapting models to French taste and available materials.

In the years before the First World War, external-horn gramophones coexisted with the first internal-horn machines. The tabletop Monarchs stood out for their motor quality, oak or mahogany cabinetry, and soundboxes such as the Exhibition, highly appreciated for their strong response and volume. The mention “Breveté S.G.D.G.” on French decals means “patented without government guarantee”, a common legal notice on French products of the time. As the 1910s progressed, aesthetics shifted towards cabinet models with internal horns, but external-horn Monarchs remained symbols of power and visual impact. Today, examples with well-preserved decals, original horns, and tested operation, like this one, are especially valued for their authenticity and direct link to the HMV iconography.