The Allen Koenigsberg Phonograph Collection
Lot 3145:
Description
Circa 1898 Columbia Eagle cylinder phonograph in a fitted case from Maison Georges Raick. This specific pairing tells a fascinating story of early 20th-century global trade, where American precision engineering met high-end European luxury distribution. Located in Liège, Belgium, Maison Georges Raick was a prestigious retail establishment. While the Raick family was world-renowned for manufacturing high-grade firearms (Raick Frères), their retail “Maison” (House) imported and sold top-tier luxury mechanical goods, including early American talking machines. This nickelplated machine comes in a fitted case that stores both the machine and has a drawer that holds 16 cylinders and supplies. The case The inside of the lift up lid has a red satin back with the Maison Georges Raick logo and Columbia PhonographThe satin lid limit strap os present but broken. The case is lined with a blue velvet material much of which is worn from use. The exterior of the case is covered with a black oil cloth type material. The leather carrying strap on the top is present but broken. All hinges and locks are intact. The case itself is in overall good condition considering its age and use. The phonograph is in good condition with good plating but needs a good cleaning. It has a good reproducer with stylus. A small hunter style nickel horn is included. The machine winds and plays well. There is an old solder repair on the carriage by the reproducer which does not affect the operation. Inside the storage drawer are several hand made typed programs from June of 1900. Also includes a Georges Raick cylinder record case in poor condition with slots for 24 cylinders and a typed program inside the lid so this machine might well be from a traveling showman who was doing exhibitions. The case measures 18.5” wide, 13.25” deep, 11.5” tall. From the Allen Koenigsberg collection.
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