Antique Berliner 4 Gramophone - Phonograph. France, 1902-1905

Antique and ultra rare Berliner 4 gramophone - phonograph with chocolate color finish made in France between 1902 and 1905, in very good working order and very beautiful. This is quite a special model which makes it possible to play standard 10 records (as well as the brand records) without removing the crank. The motor of these gramophones is also more powerful than the one mounted in previous models by the brand. All the mechanisms component parts are original, including the leather elbow and the turntable felt. The solid wooden box preserves the gorgeous original glossy finish and bears a plate with the name and location of the original Frernch distributor, as well as an antique decal of the Cie. Française du Gramophone of Paris. The reproducer bears an engraved inscription: VICTOR TALKING MACHINE CO. PATD. USA & FOREIGN COUNTRIES. Last but not least, the Chrome-plated metal horn is greatly preserved and makes a fine contrast with the dark Wood. This antique Berliner 4 gramophone is a real collectors piece, in amazing condition and exceptional working order. Dimensions: Box: Side: 13.2 in / 33.5 cm. Height: 4 in / 10.2 cm. Horn: Length: 18.5 in / 47 cm. Mouths Width: 10 in / 25.4 cm.Berliner Gramophones - History Emil Berliner was born in Germany and moved to the United States in 1870. He became famous for inventing the gramophone, the device which would revolutionize the international music industry and whose technology is still used by record players and vinyl records. In 11881 Berliner became a USA citizen; his interest in sound recording would make him research through Edisons and Bells techniques. In 1887 he patented his firs device, the Gramophone, a machine which did not record sounds on cylinders but flat disks. This system made much easier the task of make multiple copies of each unit. Aiming to found his own business, Berliner contacted engineer Eldridge R. Johnson in order to design an affordable wind-up motor for his Gramophone. The design succeeded and Berliner partnered with Johnson and founded the Victor Talking Machine Company. When Berliner suggested adopting the famous image of the dog and the gramophone as their brand logo, the company would change its name to His Masters Voice. After some legal disputes for the Gramophone name in the USA (this is the reason which the Victor Talking Machine Co. Could not use it in its commercial name), Berliner would found other companies in different countries: The Berliner Gram-o-phone Company in Canada, the Deutsche Grammophon in Germany and the British Gramophone Co. Ltd.