GRAPHOPHONE
The Eagle caused something of a revolution in the talking machine business, and that's really what Columbia was all about -- a company with ground-breaking ideas, producing revolutionary results! The oak cabinet seen here was optional, and without a carrying cabinet, the Eagle sold for only $10. -- the first "People's Talking Machine." Collector's have tried to suggest over the years that the reason the instrument was named "Eagle" was because it could be bought with a $10 gold piece, which featured an eagle. This, however, is primarily pleasant mythology. Columbia used patriotic symbols in its advertising, frequently including eagles. The firm applied given names, not just letter or number designations, to all of its models well into the twentieth century. Furthermore, the Pathé company of France had instruments named "Eagle" and "Eaglet" -- so we see how the powerful image of this fierce bird had more marketing impact worldwide than any pretty story about a gold coin.
We have cleaned it, adjusted it, lubricated it, and coaxed it back to playing precisely as it did during the century PRIOR to the last century! 1890s Graphophones characteristically featured glistening nickel-plated mechanical works, and oak cabinetry finished in orange shellac.
Stunning, awe-inspiring freshness -- yet it began its existence in the nineteenth century! The original finish and banner decal.
The Eagle plays Edison or Columbia 2-minute cylinder records.
Price: $795.00 US, including replica 10" conical horn, precisely as they used in the 1890s, and one Edison 2-minute cylinder record, plus s/h (NY State residents must add sales tax if applicable).
E-mail: phonotim@gmail.com
Telephone: 585-582-1586
FAX 585 582 2624
FAX: PHONOPHAN, 585-582-2624
US Post: PHONOPHAN
PO Box 747
Henrietta, NY 14467 USA