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French reversible phonograph, Maleville
a second thumbnail of French reversible phonograph, Malevillea third thumbnail of French reversible phonograph, Malevillea fourth thumbnail of French reversible phonograph, Maleville

French "Reversible" Cylinder Phonograph for sale

$650

This early European cylinder phonograph comes in a "reversible" case; the lid lifts up and flips over to reveal a mechanism screwed to the underside, which then snugs into the top of the case. It's an innovative design sometimes seen on Continental machines, but I can think of only one American off-brand that employed a similar arrangement.

The open works mechanism, popular from the late 1890s onward, was based on (stolen from) the Columbia Q and Eagle.

My best guess is that this machine was manufactured by the French firm of Maleville, and possibly marketed as a Musica. One clue is the five feet at the bottom of the cabinet.

This machine comes with a Pathe reproducer in good original condition and is working nicely. The horn is a 10 inch reproduction conical horn, probably not original to this machine but typically seen on machines of an early vintage.

The mechanism has been tested and is working properly and should play through a full record off a single winding, although I would be somewhat hesitant to bring this little spring up to complete tension.

The cabinet is in very nice condition with an attractive inlay on the front panel.

If you are going to play a lot of cylinders this isn't the best choice for you -- you'd probably do better with one of our larger Edison machines. However, if you want an interesting, working example of early Continental technology this might fit your needs.

Case dimensions with the mechanism inside the lid are approximately 14" by 9" by 7" tall.

Price includes 3 two minute cylinders in good condition.

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Lynn Bilton
Box 435
Randolph,OH 44265
330 325-7866

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We buy, sell, and repair antique phonographs and music boxes.

Pick-up and delivery possible in many parts of the midwest,south, and northeast.

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