Mechanical Music Digest  Archives
You Are Not Logged In Login/Get New Account
Please Log In. Accounts are free!
Logged In users are granted additional features including a more current version of the Archives and a simplified process for submitting articles.
Home Archives Calendar Gallery Store Links Info
MMD > Archives > April 2004 > 2004.04.12 > 01Prev  Next


Symphonion Model 206 Imperial Twin Disc Music Box
By Reg Smith

Hello Art,  Your instrument is a Model 206 Imperial Symphonion, made
in Bradley Beach, New Jersey, around 1898 to 1901.  The American branch
of Symphonion produced three models using the No. 106 disc (17-5/8"):
they are the Style 106 (single disc), Style 206 (double disc) and
Style 306 (triple disc).  The sound is often spectacular if the combs
are not rusty or dampers clogged with dirt or damaged.

The original price for your machine was $200.00; with a coin-drop
attachment, it was $205.00.  Extra No. 106 discs cost $2.00 for a set
of two.  I have some pictures from an original catalog which show this
machine and describe it as follows:

  No.206 - Cabinet Grand - Long Running Movement. - Celeste Harmony
  Piccolo - Case: Piano Finish, Mahogany or Oak - 212 Steel Tongues,
  4 combs.  VERY LOUD - Orchestrion Tone.  Partitioned Disc Drawers
  on Base - Price, $200.00

The factory was only there for a very short while until they closed
forever about 1901.   Incidentally, I have visited the factory in
recent years since it is only about three miles from my father's
childhood home where my aunt still lives today.  The building is now
occupied by the S.S. Adams Novelty Co., who are responsible for those
little gizmos that kids love where you wind it up and then shake hands
with a "victim" and give them a surprise.  The grandson of the founder
of S.S. Adams was very kind to give me the full tour, even climbing
a ladder up to the distinctive clock tower.

I believe there were probably very few of the model 206 ever produced.
Let me know if I may help in any way or if you have any further
questions.

Musically yours,

Reg Smith - Sublime Harmony Music Box Restorations
Gainesville, Georgia


(Message sent Mon 12 Apr 2004, 15:33:42 GMT, from time zone GMT-0400.)

Key Words in Subject:  206, Box, Disc, Imperial, Model, Music, Symphonion, Twin

Home    Archives    Calendar    Gallery    Store    Links    Info   


Enter text below to search the MMD Website with Google



CONTACT FORM: Click HERE to write to the editor, or to post a message about Mechanical Musical Instruments to the MMD

Unless otherwise noted, all opinions are those of the individual authors and may not represent those of the editors. Compilation copyright 1995-2024 by Jody Kravitz.

Please read our Republication Policy before copying information from or creating links to this web site.

Click HERE to contact the webmaster regarding problems with the website.

Please support publication of the MMD by donating online

Please Support Publication of the MMD with your Generous Donation

Pay via PayPal

No PayPal account required

                                     
Translate This Page