PATHE "COQUET"

The Pathé Coquet is one of the most ingenious phonographs of the period. It aptly reinforces the image of  Pathé instruments as technically sophisticated and visually refined. The juxtaposing of warm, French walnut against deep green enamel creates an impact unparalleled in the field of talking machines. Plus the Coquet incorporates a reproducing system that can only be described as "totally insane!"

The Girard company sold Pathé cylinder phonographs by mail order. Along with the usual Pathé designations, Girard proudly emblazoned the machines it distributed with special Girard insignia. Most importantly, however, Girard exploited a feature called Système Verité (pronounced Zeez-tem vair-ee-tay) which was claimed to greatly enhance the operation of the instrument. Brilliant, but bizarre, Système Verité supported the use of a much larger horn, always painted in bright Chinese red, through a cantilevered series of rods and levers. Furthermore, the reproducing head was allowed to float above the record, eliminating the occasional tendency of machines of the Graphophone type to repeat grooves.

Yes, Système Verité was ingenious, but it also lent a kind of "Rube Goldberg" -- or maybe we should say "Jules Verne" -- look to the machine that greatly appeals to us today. And the fact is, an instrument equipped with this insanely inspired claptrap in excellent condition is extremely rare nowadays.

Note also the "large" mandrel which telescopes over the conventional Edison-type mandrel. Pathé introduced a series of 3 1/2" diameter cylinder records known as "Inter" or "Intermediate." The Coquet is equipped to play BOTH ordinary 2-minute cylinders, such as Edison or Columbia, AND the interesting and unusual "Inter" records-- one of which we are giving with the machine, and more of which we have for sale.

The original ebonite reproducer conveniently sits to the side when not in use -- another Girard innovation.

Shown here, the perfect condition lid with its Pathé logo -- a rooster displaying before a cylinder phonograph with the legend, "I sing (play) loud and clear."

On the cabinet, this striking label identifying the Girard company. In PERFECT condition. Pathé instruments put to shame the clunky appearance of formidable rivals such as Edison. The firm's cabinets were truly worthy of note. Rich, beautiful seasoned French walnut, coupled with this spectacular label -- magnifique!

In truth, the Pathé Coquet is an instrument unlike any other -- compact, but brilliantly designed and precisely manufactured. The original cabinet finish is still intact, giving the century-old walnut an incomparable depth and glow. Just what you need to transport you back to La Belle Epoque!

Price: $2450.00, including one regular Edison cylinder record AND one Pathé Inter cylinder record, plus s/h (NY State residents must add sales tax, if applicable).

PLEASE NOTE-- We have some Pathé  "Inter" cylinder records available at additional cost. 

Contact: phonotim@gmail.com

Telephone: 585-582-1586

FAX: 585-582-2624

US Post: phonophan

               PO Box 747

               Henrietta, NY 14467 USA

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