phonogfp Posted February 14, 2021 Share Posted February 14, 2021 "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: Polyphone.mp4 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fran604g Posted February 14, 2021 Share Posted February 14, 2021 Gorgeous images with an informative post George! Thank you, Fran Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phonogfp Posted February 14, 2021 Author Share Posted February 14, 2021 Thanks for your help and encouragement, Fran! George P. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melvind Posted February 14, 2021 Share Posted February 14, 2021 A terrific post. Mouth watering pictures and a nice video. Thanks George! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phonogfp Posted February 14, 2021 Author Share Posted February 14, 2021 Thanks Dan. Credit for the video goes to Mark Albertson and John Levin! George P. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AudioAntique Posted February 14, 2021 Share Posted February 14, 2021 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. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phonogfp Posted February 15, 2021 Author Share Posted February 15, 2021 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lioret Posted February 18, 2021 Share Posted February 18, 2021 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 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phonogfp Posted February 18, 2021 Author Share Posted February 18, 2021 Gregg, that is one spectacular Spring Motor! Thanks for sharing it - - George P. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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