Antique Pathé ‘le Gaulois’ Phonograph with Glass Horn. France, Circa 1900

Magnificent antique Pathé "Le Gaulois" phonograph, made in France circa 1900 and in excellent condition and working order. This is one of the earliest models marketed by the famous French company, a compact machine distinguished by its beautiful original dark blue paint with gold decoration and its spectacular translucent white glass horn. The combination has a truly attractive appearance and retains all the charm of the earliest sound-reproducing machines. It works perfectly, is designed to play two-minute wax cylinders and comes with four original Columbia cylinders. The phonograph has a solid, compact metal body. It retains its original period blue paint in very good condition, with minor surface signs of use that do not detract from its attractive appearance. The fine gold pinstriping decorating the sides highlights the lines of the machine and creates a beautiful contrast with the dark background. One side bears the inscription "Le Gaulois", while the front displays the famous Pathé rooster and its motto "Je chante haut et clair", meaning "I sing loud and clear". Both the inscriptions and the original decoration are very well preserved. The phonograph retains its original Pathé reproducer, in excellent condition and perfect working order. It is designed to play two-minute wax cylinders, using a mechanism that gradually moves the reproducer along the cylinder as it rotates. The reproducer converts the vibrations of the recorded groove into sound, which is amplified through the horn, producing clear, powerful and pleasant reproduction. The reproducer, its support and the carriage mechanism all operate correctly, as does the spring-driven motor. On the front are the original controls, marked in French "Arrêt", "Marche" and "Réglage", corresponding to stop, start and speed adjustment. The motor is wound using a butterfly winding key on the side. Its operation is smooth and steady, allowing you to enjoy recordings with the distinctive sound of early cylinder phonographs. Its beautiful translucent white glass horn deserves special attention, with its elegant flared shape and delicate reflections that become especially attractive when the light shines through it. Supported by a long, curved metal bracket, it is one of the most striking features of the entire machine. This horn is a handcrafted reproduction, made following the historical glass horn designs originally offered for the "Le Gaulois". Producing these delicate glass horns requires considerable skill, particularly because of their flared shape and fragile material. Even today, faithfully reproducing them is a demanding task for specialized glass artisans. The horn is in perfect condition, with no cracks, breaks or repairs. The phonograph comes with four original Columbia wax cylinders, each with its illustrated cardboard container. Among them is "Don't Be Cross With Me", performed by Elise Stevenson, which can be heard in the video accompanying our description. The new owner will therefore be able to enjoy this historic machine immediately, using authentic recordings from the early 20th century. This beautiful Pathé "Le Gaulois" is a highly interesting piece for collectors of antique phonographs and early mechanical music machines. The excellent preservation of its blue paint and gold decoration allows its attractive original appearance to be fully appreciated. Its magnificent glass horn and the four included cylinders complete a charming ensemble, ideal for enjoying early recorded music or becoming a highlight of a fine collection. Measurements: Base length: 19.5 cm (7.68 in). Base width: 14.5 cm (5.71 in). Overall height including the horn support: 60 cm (23.62 in). Glass horn diameter: 27 cm (10.63 in). Horn length: 29 cm (11.42 in). History of Pathé and the "Le Gaulois" Phonograph: The history of the "Le Gaulois" phonograph is closely linked to the early years of Pathé, one of the most important French companies in the development of the recording and film industries. Founded in 1896 by the Pathé brothers, the company began by marketing phonographs, cylinders and other sound-reproducing machines, achieving great popularity within just a few years. In the late 19th century, Pathé sought to expand the market for home phonographs by offering increasingly affordable models. It was in this context that the "Le Gaulois" appeared, designed and manufactured by Japy Frères, a company based in Beaucourt, France. The model was developed around the turn of the century and began to be marketed around 1900. Its early history is closely connected with the collaboration between Pathé and Japy Frères. Its design was inspired by the popular Edison Gem phonograph, although it incorporated mechanical features related to Graphophone systems. It was marketed approximately between 1900 and 1902 and became one of the characteristic models of the French company's early years. Pathé advertised it as the "Phonographe des Familles" ("Family Phonograph"), emphasizing its role in home entertainment. In the company's October 1901 catalog, it appeared as Graphophone No. 21, priced at 36 francs in its basic version with an aluminum horn. A version with an elegant metal-coated glass horn was also offered for 50 francs. One of the distinctive features of the "Le Gaulois" was the variety of finishes available. It was made in colors such as blue, red, green, black and gray, and could be fitted with aluminum, brass or glass horns. The available options included beautiful white glass horns, metal-coated glass horns and white glass horns decorated with gold, especially appreciated for their delicate construction and beauty. The model was associated with the 1900 Paris World's Fair, an event of enormous importance in the promotion of early sound-reproducing machines. Although it remained on the market for only a short time, the "Le Gaulois" is now of considerable historical interest as a testament to Pathé's beginnings and the growing popularity of home phonographs throughout Europe. The Recording Featured in Our Video: "Don't Be Cross With Me" - Elise Stevenson, circa 1908-1909. In our video, we play one of the four original Columbia cylinders included with the machine on this very Pathé "Le Gaulois" phonograph. It is Columbia two-minute black wax cylinder No. 1042, containing the American song "Don't Be Cross With Me", performed by soprano Elise Stevenson with orchestral accompaniment. The recording dates from approximately 1908-1909, and its cylinder release is documented in March 1909. It is a recording of particular historical interest because of its age and its connection with the early years of commercially distributed recorded music. The cylinder's patent inscription, dated July 29, 1902, does not indicate the recording date. The song comes from the American musical comedy "A Stubborn Cinderella", with music by Joseph E. Howard and lyrics by William M. Hough and Frank R. Adams. The production premiered in Milwaukee in May 1908 and subsequently reached Broadway in January 1909. "Don't Be Cross With Me" was part of the first act and was originally performed by the character Lady Leslie and the chorus. Its release on records and cylinders helped bring this theatrical music to audiences who owned the earliest home sound-reproducing machines. Columbia marketed Elise Stevenson's performance, which we can now hear once again on a mechanical phonograph from the same historical period. Elise Stevenson (1878-1967), born Eliza Stevens in Liverpool, England, was a prominent soprano during the early years of the American recording industry. She developed a successful recording career during the first decade of the 20th century and recorded for companies such as Columbia and Victor, performing popular songs, theatrical melodies and romantic compositions. Among her well-known recordings are "Because You're You", "Are You Sincere?" and "Shine On, Harvest Moon". She also collaborated with other distinguished singers of her time. Today, her recordings provide a valuable testimony to the voices, musical styles and performance techniques that characterized the beginnings of recorded music.