Antique Edison Bell ELECTROTONE reproducer.

Outstanding antique ELECTROTONE Edison Bell reproducer or soundbox in mint condition and in its original storing case. The reproducer is wonderfully preserved and so is the original case. This piece was made in England more in the early 20th century, almost one hundred years ago, and preserves all its original component parts. The reproducer is made of chrome-plated metal and is circular in shape, with the brand name and model (EDISON BELL ELECTROTONE) in beautiful punched capital letters. At the back, the reproducer bears this engraved inscription: EDISON BELL ELECTROTONE GRAND BRITISH MANUFACTURE. The metal this piece is made of looks shiny, even and polished, with no dents or bumps; its surface scarcely shows any signs of the trace of time. The storing case is also greatly preserved: a small square-shaped box with black-leather outside covering and Klein-blue inside lining.Measurements (Connection Gramophone Output): 19 mm Diameter.Edison Bell Phonograph Co. History The Edison Bell Phonograph Company was founded in 1893 after purchasing three key patents for the manufacture of Edison phonographs and cylinders. The company stablished in the Edison House in London and kept a 10 year monopoly of the phonograph trade. Soon illegal competitors emerged and created a booming trade, among them James E. Hough who was forced by Edison Bell to abandon his trade. Then Hough negotiated a deal with the firm so he could keep on trading through the Edisonia company, founded in 1897. Edison Bell and Edisonia merged in 1898 and created the Edison Bell Consolidated Phonograph Co, Ltd.; the firm kept overall control over the phonograph and cylinder trade till 1902, when the patents expired. They produced their lasts phonograph cylinders in 1914; after this year, only gramophones and records were manufactured. The firm kept on in business until 1931.