The Allen Koenigsberg Phonograph Collection
Lot 3056:
Description
The Gilbert Repeater is one of the rarest and most mechanically intriguing early third-party repeating attachments designed for antique cylinder phonographs. Invented in 1902 by Melvin Elam Gilbert, this mechanical accessory was designed to automatically reset a phonograph’s reproducer carriage back to the beginning of a cylinder record once it finished playing. While it is commonly referred to in phonograph collecting circles as the “Gilbert Repeater”, historical and patent records show the device was actually created by Elam Gilbert, Melvin Elam Gilbert’s father. The legal documentation and original patent application became famous among historians because they were filed under a rare legal provision carrying the explicit label “An Insane Person”, as Elam had been legally committed, leaving his wife to finalize the paperwork to bring the repeater to market. This example is mounted to an Edison Home phonograph which has a broken pulley casting on the motor. The motor winds and will run if the pulley is replaced. The mandrel spins freely and the repeater does raise the carriage at the end of the record when turned over by hand. Has a good Model C reproducer with stylus. It is not known whether the repeater is complete or not so please study the photos and ask any questions that you may have. The Cabinet has an original fumed oak finish. There is no lid for the machine. Measures 18.5” wide, 9” deep, 11” tall. From the Allen Koenigsberg collection.
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