A Very Early Eagle

[phonogfp]

MODEL:  Type B ("Eagle") Graphophone
SERIAL #:  80,040  (Serial numbering for this model began at 80,000 making this the 40th example manufactured.)
YEARS MADE: 1897-1907  
COST:   $12.00 cased (as is this example). 
REPRODUCER:  #2 
MOTOR:  Two tiny mainsprings 
HORN DIMENSIONS:  10" long conical black 
REPRODUCTION PARTS:  None 
CURRENT VALUE:   ?
INTERESTING FACTS :  

Many years ago, while shooting pictures for our books, I became acquainted with this Eagle Graphophone in the collection of Howard Hazelcorn.  I don't recall which detail seized my attention first; the lid decal or the serial number.  Either one is pretty important in my world.  I told Howard that if he ever decided to relinquish this primordial example of the Eagle Graphophone, I hoped he would remember me.  Howard just chuckled.

 

After Howard passed away in 2020, it eventually occurred to me that this Eagle might be among the many artifacts to go to auction.  No, it was not.  Rather, it had been sold to a close friend of Howard's.  I told this close friend the same thing I had told Howard years earlier.  The friend didn't chuckle, but told me that he would remember my interest.  I expect most collectors have heard this before, and we all know how often that pans out.

 

Much to my surprise, I heard from Howard's friend in September 2026.  He was downsizing a bit, and offered me this Eagle - - the object of my 25-year yearning.  I can't quite believe it's here.  The earliest-known Eagle (#40 out of approximately 150,000 manufactured), and the only known Eagle whose lid bears a decal listing Broadway and 27th Street, New York.  I included a picture of the lid in an article found in the June 2012 issue of the APS magazine, page 10.  

 

To the casual collector, this might look like a typical Eagle lid, but it's not!  No other known Eagle decal carries this early address.

 

This may also look like a typical Eagle mechanism, and it is...with one exception...

 

 

The data plate for this Eagle shows it to have been assembled during the first day of production.  The 40th Eagle off the line.

 

[Tinfoilphono]

Wow. I am in awe. You are definitely the King of Eagles but I totally share that passion so this one is an absolute grail. Kudos on a fantastic and historic score.

[melvind]

Fantastic, george!

[Fran604g]

George, this literally could not be in better hands. Tho it took a lifetime, congratulations!

[phonogfp]

Thanks, friends.  I'm grateful to Howard's friend, Rob Mallett, for remembering my interest and making it possible for me to add this one to my collection.

[NateO]

How cool! Congratulations George. I'm sure you're over the moon now that Eagle #40 is roosting in your belfry with the rest of the flock. It looks like it's in incredible condition as well. 

[phonogfp]

Thanks Nate!  It has had good care over the past 25 years, but it needed a sympathetic cleanup.  I wish they all came to me in this condition!

 

George

[chucka]

Hey George,

 

That's a real nice one,  finding an earlier one is pretty slim.  So what's that make number 50 or so in the Eagle nest?

 

This may sound weird but I was looking around here and "found" another Eagle on a shelf, serial #80233. You know it's bad when you find

new things in your own house.

 

Chuck

[phonogfp]

Chuck, that's an advantage of growing older (and having too much stuff squirrelled away)!  Just today I found a Victor book for children titled Pan and His Pipes in a display case with some children's phonographs.  I have no memory of where or when I acquired it.  Also found 5 brown wax cylinders mixed in with Blue Amberols.  No idea what they were doing in that cabinet.  Well, whoopee!

 

Please let me know how many feet are below the base of #80233.  Also if there are any markings on the metal base plate, or anything else unusual.  Thanks!

 

George

[Jerry]

13 hours ago, chucka said:

You know it's bad when you find new things in your own house.

 

Chuck

I've found gems like this too. Every day is a new surprise!🙂

[Fran604g]

16 hours ago, NateO said:

How cool! Congratulations George. I'm sure you're over the moon now that Eagle #40 is roosting in your belfry with the rest of the flock. It looks like it's in incredible condition as well. 

Extra points for the lexical chain, Nate. 😊