EXPLORE THE GRAPHOPHONE

This Graphophone is currently on display at The Explore Bristol Visitor Center, and was gifted to us by Virginia Tourism. The term “Columbia Disc Graphophone” refers to early 20th-century record players made by Columbia Phonograph Company. The “New York and London” engraving indicates production between 1900 and 1922. The “Graphophone” name originated as a trademark for a cylinder phonograph developed at Alexander Graham Bell’s Volta Laboratory. Columbia adapted this technology for flat disc records to compete with Victor. Early models, such as AH, BI, or BN, typically featured large “morning glory” or nickel-plated brass external horns on wood or cast-iron bases.