PATHE COQUET CYLINDER PHONOGRAPH
The Coquet (in French, "stylish," or in the old-fashioned sense "flirtatious") is charming indeed! It's literally a "diminutive" antique phonograph,with the added punch of having an absolutely "wacky" sound delivery system appdended to it. The crazy contraption sitting atop the instrument was called "Système Vérité" (true or accurate system), and it was exclusive to Pathé machines sold by the Girard mail-order firm. Girard, seeking to dintinguish the instruments it sold through bold design and marketing, devised "Système Vérité" to assure that an indelible impression of technical wizardry was left in the mind of the public -- and looking at this Coquet today STILL proves the effectiveness of the plan!
Here we can see how the Girard system of brackets, shafts and wheels took the weight of the rather long horn off the phonograph carriage, and allowed the reproducer to "float" (in order to avoid the chance of skipping of a groove). The mechanism plays 2-minute cylinder records, Edison, Columbia, etc. Despite its modest size, it can play one record per complete winding. Note also the beautiful green color and smart (another meaning of "coquet") gilt lines of the original enamel, and the warm glow of the walnut cabinetry.
The original Pathé "ebonite" reproducer, with rooster logo.
This wonderful original decal in perfect condition adorns the cabinet, proudly proclaiming the Girard company.
All components are original. Condition is excellent. Original "Chinese red" paint on horn, and horn is in excellent condition (and let us emphasize that very few horns survive in such perfect condition without the need of any straightening). The Pathé mascot was the rooster -- seen in the lid decal competing with a phonograph -- whereas the dog Nipper in the Victor logo was listening to the machine, a noisy and pugnacious rooster would surely be trying to drown out the phonograph with his own voice! Above him is a banner bearing the legend "I sing loud and clear." The lid decal is a precise and historically perfect copy of an original. A very dear friend of ours has devoted his retirement to individually handmaking decals that are indistinguishable from the originals -- literally. The decal is under the finish, just as it was originally done. It can not be told from an original. The Coquet is a stunning instrument.
Price: $1450.00, including one 2-minute cylinder record, plus s/h (NY State residents must add tax).
Contact: phonotim@gmail.com
Telephone: 585-244-5546
US Post: PHONOPHAN
PO Box 747
Henrietta, NY 14467 USA
Click here for Terms & Conditions of sale