Post by MTPhono on Feb 16, 2009 13:51:04 GMT -6
MAKER: (likely) Pathe
MODEL: L'Autophone
SERIAL #: n/a
YEARS: 1910-1920's
ORIGINAL COST: unknown
CASE/CABINET SIZE: 72" x 25" x17.5"
TURNTABLE/MANDREL SIZE: 10"
REPRODUCER/SOUNDBOX: Pathe
MOTOR: Electric motor
HORN DIMENSIONS: earphones only
REPO PARTS: marquee/signboard - cabinet and mechanism restored in 2006
CURRENT VALUE MINT: $7-$12K?
(Not necessarily this machine)
INTERESTING FACTS: Virtually nothing is known about these machines - even in Europe where they were made.
FAVORITE CHARACTERISTIC: Single disc coin-operated phonograph. Once coin is dropped, light above marquee turns on...surprises me every time. Patent notice reads (translated) "Automatic phonograph patented without official government approval"
The Autophone (not to be confused with the US made cylinder Autophone) were built to be cost-effective (ie. cheaply). Originally recycled Edison coin-op cabinets (Windsor, Eclipse, etc) were used to house the fitted disc mechanism. These were found around Paris in the popular auditoriums of the main boulevards and in train stations during the teens and 1920's. Reports state that these were still in use as late as the 1940's in parts of Paris. It is thought that Pathe was involved in the manufacture of these machines though no definite links have been found. There are no markings other than the patent information and no serial numbers. It is likely that Pathe was contracted to build the mechanism. Nearly every Autophone has a Pathe reproducer. Notice that the reproducer is setup for laterally recorded records (as are all of the Autophones I have located). That's odd for Pathe - would have thought hill and dale records for sure. Changing needles in the coin-op parlor may have been a full-time job.
The etching below shows a typical parlor of the time. There are 25 or so Autophones shown in this parlor
Motor and mechanism are simple yet effective and quiet.
It is thought that between 10 and 20 Autophones remain today worldwide. Three have been located in North America including this machine (which was purchased in Belgium in 2003).
There is lots to learn about this phonograph. If additional information is available, please forward.
Thanks to Mr. Tinfoil for providing the etchings.
PS. Here is an example in a re-used Edison Windsor/Eclipse style cabinet (not my machine):
MODEL: L'Autophone
SERIAL #: n/a
YEARS: 1910-1920's
ORIGINAL COST: unknown
CASE/CABINET SIZE: 72" x 25" x17.5"
TURNTABLE/MANDREL SIZE: 10"
REPRODUCER/SOUNDBOX: Pathe
MOTOR: Electric motor
HORN DIMENSIONS: earphones only
REPO PARTS: marquee/signboard - cabinet and mechanism restored in 2006
CURRENT VALUE MINT: $7-$12K?
(Not necessarily this machine)
INTERESTING FACTS: Virtually nothing is known about these machines - even in Europe where they were made.
FAVORITE CHARACTERISTIC: Single disc coin-operated phonograph. Once coin is dropped, light above marquee turns on...surprises me every time. Patent notice reads (translated) "Automatic phonograph patented without official government approval"
The Autophone (not to be confused with the US made cylinder Autophone) were built to be cost-effective (ie. cheaply). Originally recycled Edison coin-op cabinets (Windsor, Eclipse, etc) were used to house the fitted disc mechanism. These were found around Paris in the popular auditoriums of the main boulevards and in train stations during the teens and 1920's. Reports state that these were still in use as late as the 1940's in parts of Paris. It is thought that Pathe was involved in the manufacture of these machines though no definite links have been found. There are no markings other than the patent information and no serial numbers. It is likely that Pathe was contracted to build the mechanism. Nearly every Autophone has a Pathe reproducer. Notice that the reproducer is setup for laterally recorded records (as are all of the Autophones I have located). That's odd for Pathe - would have thought hill and dale records for sure. Changing needles in the coin-op parlor may have been a full-time job.
The etching below shows a typical parlor of the time. There are 25 or so Autophones shown in this parlor
Motor and mechanism are simple yet effective and quiet.
It is thought that between 10 and 20 Autophones remain today worldwide. Three have been located in North America including this machine (which was purchased in Belgium in 2003).
There is lots to learn about this phonograph. If additional information is available, please forward.
Thanks to Mr. Tinfoil for providing the etchings.
PS. Here is an example in a re-used Edison Windsor/Eclipse style cabinet (not my machine):