$10,000
National Gramophone Co. Montross Gramophone, c. 1897-8, No. M-1617 on nickel plated plaque, of Improved Gramophone pattern, but with side-wind motor and detachable bent-rod extension arm, red turntable felt and slightly simplified oak case with red felt turntable covering and typical transfer of "Berliner Gramophone", National Gramophone Co., 874 Broadway, New York City , patd. dates to Feb. 19, 1895, 7-inch turntable, Clark-Johnson soundbox no. J 20790 stamped Pat. Applied For and Patd. Feb. 19. 1895 , oak arm, and straight-flared horn with gilt pinstriping, base 10 in. square. Literature: This machine is illustrated in Fabrizio & Paul, The Talking Machine an Illustrated Compendium 1877 - 1929 For this model, Levy Montross was engaged not by Johnson but by Frank Seaman, whose National Gramophone Co. was Berliner's sales agent but who sought to find improvements and lower prices for the Berliner design. It was this policy which led to the break-up of the relationship between Berliner and Seaman and the disappearance in the United States of the name Gramophone.
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2008-08-23
