BERLINER "TRADEMARK" in MAHOGANY CASE
with COPPER HORN

Immortalized in the painting "His Master's Voice," the Berliner 'Improved' Gramophone with its distinctive vertically-mounted crank is unquestionably the most famous phonograph in the world. The enduring image of this machine, paired with Nipper the dog in the Victor (and later RCA) trademark, gives this popular machine its nickname among today's collectors -- the Berliner Trademark. Originally offered in the U.S. in 1897, this classic style went on to be sold in Canada, England, and France up until around 1903. Only in France during the 'Belle Epoque,' however, did this classic phonograph take on an aura of true elegance, cased in dark red mahogany. Most often found with a brightly nickeled horn, some were made with a gorgeous copper horn as seen here -- infinitely richer in appearance than its more humble cousins. (Everywhere else the case was made of light oak, and the horn was either black or brass). Interestingly, the motor and reproducer were made in the United States, while the cabinet was made in England. The machine itself, however, was only marketed in France. This example of the very rare mahogany Berliner Trademark is totally original and pristine, with a highly polished finish.

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