Polyphones: "On This Day in Phonographic History..."

[phonogfp]

"On This Day in Phonographic History..."

 

February 14, 1898: Leon Douglass filed for a U.S. patent for what became marketed as the “Polyphone Attachment.”  By arranging two reproducers (and two horns) to track a cylinder record groove about an inch apart, it was claimed the selection would be “Twice as Loud, Twice as Clear, Twice as Sweet.”

 

November 8, 1898: Leon Douglass was granted a U.S. patent (No.613,670) for what was marketed as the “Polyphone Attachment.” 

 

#antiquephonographsociety #phonograph #gramophone #antique

 

 

As seen in the above US Patent drawings, Douglass's initial concept for the Polyphone employed a Graphophone mechanism.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shortly thereafter, Douglass designed a Polyphone Attachment for Edison Phonographs.  This later US Patent showed the device on a Concert - and deploying THREE reproducers!  The production models (For Gem, Standard, Home, Spring Motor, and Concert) all used two reproducers.

 

 

 

The Polyphone Edison Concert was originally equipped with twin 24-inch brass horns.  Here's an example with twin 30-inch brass horns.  I apologize for the busy background. 

 

 

Here's a video of a Polyphone Edison Standard in action:

 

[Fran604g]

Gorgeous images with an informative post George!

 

Thank you,

Fran

[phonogfp]

Thanks for your help and encouragement, Fran!

 

George P.

[melvind]

A terrific post. Mouth watering pictures and a nice video. Thanks George!

[phonogfp]

Thanks Dan.  Credit for the video goes to Mark Albertson and John Levin!

 

George P.

[AudioAntique]

George,

Your "On This Day..." series is a fascinating snapshot of history. Our hobby was built by the knowledge, talent, and technology developed by these incredible pioneers. Keep them coming.

 

Below is an example of my suitcase Home Polyphone with twin horns.

 

Robin R.

 

 

 

[phonogfp]

Robin, I very much like the retailer plate on your Polyphone Home, and I love the stencil on the horn!

 

Thanks for sharing this - -

 

GEorge P.

[Lioret]

George,

I though I would share a couple pictures of my Spring Motor Polyphone as well.  The bedplate has a very cool Hawthorn and Sheble dealer decal on it as well.   Keep the great articles caming!

Gregg

 

[phonogfp]

Gregg, that is one spectacular Spring Motor!

 

Thanks for sharing it - -

 

George P.