Antique German Horn Gramophone, Deluxe Model. Germany, Circa 1915

Antique German external-horn gramophone, a deluxe model manufactured around 1915. An especially appealing example, with a beautifully carved oak case featuring elaborate decoration and Solomonic columns at the corners, together with its large green metal horn retaining its original paint. Its fine craftsmanship and elaborate decoration distinguish it from the more basic gramophones of its time. It remains in good condition and works perfectly, producing a particularly pleasing sound. The beautifully carved oak case is one of the most striking features of this gramophone. Its elaborate decoration is reminiscent of fine furniture from the early 20th century. The four corners are adorned with Solomonic columns, while the side panels feature carefully crafted moldings. A continuous band of carved foliage enriches the lower section, adding depth and elegance to the design. The result is an unusually beautiful case, with the decorative richness of a small piece of luxury furniture. The horn is equally attractive. Made of metal, it features an elegant floral design, with large embossed petals opening outward from its narrow neck to form a large, 52 cm-wide bell. It retains its original green-painted finish, a particularly desirable feature in a gramophone more than a century old. The surface shows age-related wear and marks without losing the appeal of its original finish. The combination of the green horn and the warm tones of the carved oak creates a particularly harmonious appearance, giving the entire gramophone a striking decorative presence. One of its most distinctive features is the front-mounted winding crank, rather than the more usual side-mounted arrangement found on most external-horn gramophones. This relatively uncommon feature on machines of the period adds further interest for collectors. The speed regulator is located on one side, and the gramophone also retains its original brake. The original spring motor has been serviced and adjusted, and a new mainspring has been installed. It is in excellent condition, works perfectly and runs smoothly throughout record playback. The tonearm and soundbox are also original. The latter, made in Germany and marked "Favrola", has also been carefully adjusted and delivers a particularly pleasing sound, with the warm, distinctive tone associated with antique external-horn gramophones. All components of the machine are original, with the sole exception of the replaced mainspring. The gramophone is in good overall condition. The oak case retains its attractive period finish, with the carved details, columns and moldings remaining well defined. Age-related wear and marks can be seen in the photographs, without detracting from the beauty of the piece. In the accompanying video, you can see the gramophone in operation and hear its pleasing sound. The demonstration provides a direct impression of the excellent performance of the mechanism and the quality of its acoustic reproduction. With its fine craftsmanship, beautifully carved oak case and remarkable original green horn, this German gramophone is an especially appealing piece for collectors of antique gramophones and early phonographs. Its unusual front-mounted winding crank adds to its distinctive character, while its excellent working condition allows you to enjoy music much as it was heard more than a century ago. A deluxe gramophone combining beauty, authenticity and the pleasure of listening to old records on an authentic antique gramophone. Measurements: Case: 40 x 40.5 x 19.5 cm (15.75 x 15.94 x 7.68 in). Horn: 52 cm in diameter (20.47 in) and 62 cm in length (24.41 in). The recording heard in the video: "Deep in the Heart of Texas" ("En el corazón de Texas"), performed by Harry Kaye and the Loss Chords, accompanied by the Joe Loss Orchestra. Recorded circa 1942. In the video accompanying our description, we hear "Deep in the Heart of Texas", a popular American song released in Spain under the title "En el corazón de Texas", performed by Harry Kaye and the Loss Chords, accompanied by the orchestra conducted by Joe Loss. The recording dates from around 1942 and appears on a Spanish 78 rpm record issued by La Voz de su Amo (His Master's Voice). It is a lively foxtrot arrangement, very representative of the dance music that enjoyed great popularity during those years. The song was composed in 1941 by Don Swander, with lyrics by June Hershey, and became enormously popular in 1942, particularly in the United States. Its cheerful, catchy melody, together with the distinctive handclaps that form part of the song, helped make it one of the major musical hits of the period. It was performed by numerous singers and orchestras, including Bing Crosby, and even inspired the title of a Western movie released in 1942. Its popularity also spread to Europe, where dance orchestras incorporated it into their repertoires. Joe Loss (1909-1990) was one of Britain's most popular bandleaders of the 20th century. Born in London, he began his career as a violinist and went on to lead one of the United Kingdom's best-known dance orchestras, particularly celebrated during the 1930s and 1940s. Among his best-known performances are "In the Mood", "Chattanooga Choo Choo" and "Amapola". This recording features singer Harry Kaye, one of the vocalists who worked with his orchestra and also recorded songs such as "Candy", "More and More" and "Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition" with the band. This lively 1942 performance can now be enjoyed on our German gramophone from circa 1915, with the distinctive sound of its acoustic horn.