Antique French Phénix Phonograph. France, 1895

Superb antique Phenix phonograph made in France in 1895, in outstanding condition and in perfect working order. The phonograph is entirely original from the time; the only replaced component part is the red rubber connection located between the horn and the reproducer. The box that acts as the phonographs base and hides the motor is made of solid mahogany wood. It is wonderfully preserved and bears a fine French-polish finish that enhances the woods beauty. The corners show delicate dovetail joints, perfectly fitted and creating a solid and gorgeous piece. The box is also designed to store the phonographs mechanism when they it is not in use (except the horn); it can be easily transported thanks to the silvery-metal handle attached to the lid. The phonographs motor is composed of a series of silvery-metal component parts in excellent condition. The parts are attached to the lid; in order to store them, the user just have to release the hooks and turn the lid upside down. One of the motors sides bears the engraved serial number 1848. The horn is a striking metal piece that stands out for its great condition: it looks shiny, even and with no traces of rust or wear. The phonograph comes with an antique cylinder, original from the time and ready to be played. It is a pleasure to enjoy its sound thanks to the mechanisms perfect working order. Original and beautiful, this antique Phénix phonograph is a nostalgic and decorative item worthy of the best old-time music collection. Measurements: Box: Width: 11.6 in / 29 cm. Depth: 7.8 in / 19.5 cm. Height: 5.4 in / 13.5 cm. Horn: Length: 16.4 in / 41 cm. Mouths Width: 10.4 in / 26 cm.Phénix Phonographs History Phénix phonographs were launched in the early 20th century by the French mail-order company Maleville, located in Libourne. The launching was announced in the newspapers in 1902. These phonographs stood up for their great quality regarding technology; in fact, the company claimed that their sound could be heard over 500 meters distance in free nature, clear and loud. Indoor they could adapt to the acoustic of each room so it was never excessive for human ears. A very special feature of these phonographs is their speed adjustment system, a small metal piece shaped like a wheel (instead of the classic lever).MC-C-762 Calculadora MADAS con Teclado Numérico, 1913 Rara calculadora MADAS con teclado numérico en estado de funcionamiento. Muy atractiva y totalmente original de época. Con todas las funciones. Rara Calculadora MADAS. Versión con Teclado Numérico. Suiza USA, 1913 Fantástica y rara calculadora MADAS en muy buenas condiciones, con teclado numérico y en excelente estado de funcionamiento. La calculadora procede de USA y fue fabricada en Suiza en 1913: se trata de una auténtica pieza de colección que incorpora teclas numéricas, en lugar de las clásicas palancas. Se presenta con su tapa protectora de metal y cuenta con todas las funciones, realizando las cuatro operaciones aritméticas básicas e incluyendo la función de división automática. El estado de conservación de la máquina es bueno: tan solo podemos ver algunos signos de desgaste en el esmalte las esquinas, pequeños desperfectos que apenas resultan relevantes. El mecanismo interno de la calculadora está protegido por una carcasa de chapa de metal, esmaltada en color negro y verde esmeralda. A la izquierda podemos ver el nombre de la marca MADAS y el país de comercialización (USA). Bajo estas inscripciones hay una placa dorada atornillada a la carcasa con el nombre de la empresa fabricante y propietaria de la patente, H.W. Egli A.G., situada en Suiza. También aparece el número de serie, Nº 11828, ligeramente borrado. El teclado numérico está formado por teclas negras y color hueso ordenadamente dispuestas sobre el fondo verde. Todas ellas funcionan a la perfección, siendo un placer utilizar la calculadora para realizar operaciones. La tapa de metal esmaltada en negro que protege la calculadora lleva en el centro el logotipo de la marca, inspirado en la bandera de Suiza. En el interior encontramos el folleto de instrucciones original, en alemán. Por su originalidad y su espectacular funcionamiento, esta rara calculadora MADAS destacará en una colección de máquinas mecánicas de principios de sigloHistoria de las calculadoras MADAS Las calculadoras Madas fueron un diseño de la empresa fundada en Múnich en 1893 por el ingeniero suizo H.W. Egli. En 1881, Egli volvió a su tierra natal y abrió un taller en el centro de Zúrich, que en 1904 trasladó a las afueras. Su objetivo era diseñar y comercializar una máquina computadora; en 1896, el diseño estaba listo. Por primera vez, una calculadora que realizaba multiplicaciones directas podía producirse de forma comercial: fue el nacimiento de la calculadora Millionaire, un auténtico éxito de ventas producido por H.W. Egli A.G. Sin embargo, era una máquina pesada y difícil de transportar, y ya en 1908 se empezó a ver la necesidad de crear calculadoras más pequeñas y ligeras. En 1911 se comenzó a trabajar en un nuevo diseño, cuya producción empezó en 1914 bajo el nombre de MADAS (acrónimo de Multiplication Automatic Division Addition Subtraction). Hasta 1922 se lanzaron distintos modelos, que coexistieron con la Millionaire. En 1931 la empresa lanza un nuevo diseño que realmente se podía transportar, que desde entonces se vendió como MADAS portátil. Estas calculadoras siguieron evolucionando hasta 1960. En 1950 la competencia en el Mercado de las calculadoras era ya feroz, lo que supuso el comienzo del declive de la firma. Ya en 1970, H.W. Egli A.G. cerró definitivamente sus puertas.Rare MADAS Calculator. Input Keyboard Version. Switzerland USA, 1913 Amazing rare MADAS calculator in very good condition, with input keyboard and in excellent working order. This calculator comes from USA and was manufactured in Switzerland in 1913: it is a real collectors piece that includes an input keyboard instead the classic levers. It comes with the original metal cover and provides all the functions: it makes it possible to perform the four basic arithmetic operations and includes the automatic division function. The machine is in quite good condition and shows only slight signs of wear at the corners, small flaws that are scarcely relevant. The inner mechanism is protected by a metal-sheet casing, with a fine black and emerald-green enameled finish. To the left we can see the brand name MADAS and the country where the model was commercialized, USA. Under these inscriptions there is a golden metal plate with the embossed manufacturing companys name, H.W. EGLI A.G., located in Switzerland. We can also see the serial number Nº 11828 slightly worn. The input keyboard is composed of black and bone-white keys disposed on a green background. They are all in perfect working order and it is a real pleasure to use the calculator to perform any operation. The black-enameled metal cover that protects the calculator bears a central brand logo inspired in the Swiss flag. Inside it contains an original instruction leaflet in German. For its original quality and amazing working order, this rare MADAS calculator will stand out in a collection of turn-of-the-century machines.MADAS Calculators - History MADAS calculators were created by a Company founded in Munich in 1893 by the Swiss engineer H.W. Egli. In 1881, Egli returned to his fatherland and opened a workshop in the center of Zurich, which would later move to the suburbs. His aim was to develop and commercialize a computing machine, which he accomplished in 1896. For the first time ever, a direct-multiplication calculating machine could be produced commercially: it was the birth of the Millionaire, a real sale success produced by H.W. Egli A.G. Though, this was quite a heavy and difficult-to-carry machine; in 1908 the need of manufacturing lighter and smaller calculators started to become evident. In 1911 the company begins to work in a new design whose production started in 1914 under the MADAS brand name (an acronym which means Multiplication Automatic Division Addition Subtraction). Until 1912 different models were launched and they coexisted with the Millionaire. In 1931 the company launches a new design that could actually be transported; from then on, the calculators were known as MADAS portable. The machines kept on being improved until 1960. In 1950 competition had started to be fiery in the calculator market and the firm started to decline. In 1970 H.W.Egli A.G. stopped all activity.