1038 - Columbia Portable Gramophone for Shellac Records with Hand Crank, Made in England

Columbia Portable Gramophone for Shellac Records with Hand Crank, Made in England Wood, imitation leather, metal. Portable gramophone with a hinged lid, the case covered in black imitation leather, a carrying handle on the narrow side, lock and hand crank on the front. In the lid a plate inscribed „Viva-tonal Columbia Grafonola, Made in England, No. 100, protected by patents in Great Britain and various other countries". Metal turntable with a brown felt covering, a fold-out tone arm for playing shellac records, the sound box inscribed „Apollo Senior Soundbox Swiss made". Without needle. Condition commensurate with age, the case rubbed, the lacquer crazed on the inside. Overall 39x24x14 cm (HxWxD) The portable gramophone appeared in the 1920s and made the reproduction of music portable for the first time; it works purely mechanically with a spring motor and requires no electricity. The horn is concealed within the case, the sound emerging beneath the turntable. Columbia was among the leading makers alongside His Master's Voice; the English production supplied the European market. The steel needle was a consumable and had to be changed after every record.