Franse fabrikant Pathé Frères. - model "No. 0” Phonograph

Pathé Frères "No. 0" Antique Cylinder Phonograph (Serial No. 20495) – France, ca. 1900

Description:
Offered is an authentic and early cylinder phonograph from the pioneering sound reproduction house: the French manufacturer Pathé Frères. It concerns the compact and sought-after model "No. 0", manufactured around the turn of the century (ca. 1900–1905).

The brass mechanism bears the original stamped serial number 20495 on the mounting plate. The mechanism rests on a wooden deck that fits seamlessly onto the accompanying solid oak storage chest. The front of the chest is adorned with the original multicolored brand transfer (decal) featuring the iconic French rooster (Le Coq) and the motto "Je chante haut et clair" ("I sing loud and clear").
The brass casting is marked with the original markings: "PATHE FRERES - SYSTEME BREVETE S.G.D.G. PATENTED" including the rooster stamp. The original start/stop control lever and the fine adjustment screw for the centrifugal regulator are present. Inside the wooden chest there is also a handwritten maintenance note from 1971 ("Na gekeken 7-13-1971, F.v. Wezel, Adelaarstr. 19 Utrecht").

About the Manufacturer and Design:

The history of Pathé Frères did not begin in the cinema hall, but with the very first sound recordings. In 1894 Charles Pathé discovered the newly invented phonograph at a fair. Together with his brother Émile he founded Pathé Frères in Paris in 1896. The company quickly grew into the world’s largest producer of phonographs and cylinders, even before it became a pioneer in film and the cinema industry.
The No. 0 model was designed as a streamlined, compact and accessible entry-level device for home use. What makes this particular design so distinctive is the patented solid brass spring mechanism and the clever construction in which the wooden lid also serves as a sturdy base during playback. The design reflects the French craftsmanship of the Belle Époque—robust, functional, and featuring the famous Pathé rooster as a mark of quality.

Operation and Sound Experience:

How does a cylinder phonograph work?
The instrument operates entirely mechanically without electricity. A wind-up key tensions a strong steel coil spring. When the start lever is pulled, the spring drives a steel shaft onto a rotation mandrel on which a wax cylinder is slid. A mechanical centrifugal regulator with two brass weights ensures the cylinder spins at a constant speed. Over the rotating wax cylinder moves a reproducer with a tiny glass or sapphire needle that follows the microgrooves of the cylinder. The vibrations of the needle are transmitted to a thin diaphragm, which is converted into audible sound through a mounted horn.

How does it sound?
The sound of a Pathé phonograph has an unmistakable historical charm. It delivers a very direct, nostalgic, and characteristically analog sound. Because the sound waves are purely acoustic and mechanically amplified, the voice or music sounds wonderfully intimate, lively, and crackling, as if you’re stepping straight back into the living rooms of around 1900.

Specifications:

Manufacturer: Pathé Frères (Paris, France)
Model: No. 0 Cylinder Phonograph / Walzenphonograph
Serial number: 20495
Period: ca. 1900 – 1905
Material: Brass mechanism, oak chest
Chest dimensions (closed): 35 cm (width) x 24 cm (depth) x 18 cm (height)
Total height opened/assembled: 30 cm
Brand markings:
Mechanism: "PATHE FRERES - SYSTEME BREVETE S.G.D.G. PATENTED"
Serial number: "20495"
Chest decal: "Je chante haut et clair - Marque Déposée"
Includes: Oak chest with lid, closure, winding key, control lever, and original parts as shown in the photos.

Condition:
In neat, authentic antique condition with a lovely age patina on the brass and normal signs of use on the wood and decal.

Mechanical condition:
The mechanism is visually complete with original parts and serial number 20495. When wound, the centrifugal regulator briefly engages (approximately 3 seconds) before the mechanism stops. The old grease has hardened, so the mechanism should be cleaned and re-lubricated to achieve full playing function. Sold as-is as a historical collectible.

Shipping:
It will be packed very carefully with bubble wrap, foam, and cardboard and then insured shipped with tracking.