Antique Spanish Gramophone-phonograph Serrano y Arpí, Barcelona, Spain Circa 1915

Antique Spanish Gramophone-Phonograph Serrano y Arpí, Barcelona, Spain circa 1915 This beautiful and well-preserved Spanish horn gramophone or phonograph was manufactured around 1915 by the renowned Barcelona firm Serrano y Arpí, under the brand “AM – Aparatos Fonográficos.” It is an authentic and complete piece, highly representative of the beginnings of the Spanish phonographic industry. It stands out for its elegance, structural solidity and excellent performance, qualities that make it both a collector’s item and a fully functional instrument. The large Spanish-style metal horn retains its original deep emerald-green paint with a satin interior. It shows light and uniform wear, typical of the passage of time, which not only does not detract from its value but adds character and authenticity. This vibrant horn contrasts magnificently with the solid mahogany base. The case remains in very good condition, with an even shine and visible grain that enhances its aesthetics. The gilt metal fittings with floral motifs and the fluted corner columns, in neoclassical style, reinforce its visual appeal and give the piece a majestic presence. The metal turntable spins smoothly thanks to the original Swiss double-spring motor, still in excellent working condition. Although the felt has been replaced with a new one, all other components remain original, giving the piece high historical and investment value. The sound is clear, powerful, and well projected for its typology. All mechanisms – soundbox arm, brake, regulator, and crank – are original to the model. The soundbox itself is also original, still bearing the inscription “Aparatos Fonográficos AM – Marca Registrada.” This gramophone represents a rare balance between aesthetics and functionality. It is ideal both for inclusion in a collection and for decorating a classical or vintage-style interior with personality and charm. Its exceptional state of preservation and the beauty of its finishes make it especially hard to find in such conditions. A unique opportunity to acquire an original sound object with history, presence, and value. Dimensions: Horn length 67 cm (26.38 in). Horn diameter 62 cm (24.41 in). Base width 41 cm (16.14 in). Base depth 41 cm (16.14 in). Case height 22 cm (8.66 in). History of Serrano y Arpí Serrano y Arpí was a Barcelona-based firm dedicated to the manufacture of gramophones and phonographs in the early 20th century. Registered under the commercial name “Aparatos Fonográficos AM – Marca Registrada,” its activity began around 1913, with advertisements already appearing in the Catalan press that year. Its main premises were located at Calle del Vidrio nº 7, in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, a historic and commercial hub at the time. Later, a shop was also opened at Plaza Cucurulla nº 2, a central area with high pedestrian traffic that favored direct sales. All known documentation places the company’s activity exclusively in Barcelona. While there are occasional mentions of a possible connection with Madrid, there is no evidence of a branch there. More likely, its distribution network reached all of Spain from Barcelona, through catalog orders or agreements with local dealers. In its ads and catalogues, the firm proudly presented itself as a manufacturer, emphasizing its own production with statements such as “Talking Machines manufactured in Barcelona by Serrano y Arpí AM.” Their products enjoyed a good reputation for clear sound, solidity, and refined aesthetics, as seen in the surviving models. The company also offered technical services, spare parts, and accessories, which shows their comprehensive customer service. Their AM brand was even found on promotional cardboard discs and on high-quality identification plates, further strengthening their commercial presence at the time. Serrano y Arpí’s gramophones are recognized for careful craftsmanship, both in wood finishing and mechanical precision. Although the exact closure date is unknown, the firm remained active at least until the late 1920s, when gramophones began to give way to new sound formats. Today, Serrano y Arpí gramophones are considered true collector’s pieces, prized for their beauty, reliability, and as witnesses to a brilliant era of Spanish phonographic history. Their rarity on the market, combined with their characteristic design, makes them highly valued by collectors and sound history enthusiasts alike.