Antique Zonophone Mod. 3 (hvo) Gramophone, England. 1919 - 1921

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This spectacular Zonophone Gramophone-Phonograph Mod. 3 from the HVO series, manufactured in England between 1919 and 1921, faithfully represents the technical and aesthetic elegance of the golden age of mechanical sound. At that time, Zonophone was a secondary brand of His Master’s Voice (HMV), created to offer high-quality models at more affordable prices, without renouncing the mechanical excellence of the renowned Monarch models. This model, produced in England, is identical to the HMV Monarch but signed under the Zonophone label.

The cabinet of this piece is made of oak wood, preserving its noble natural grain and smooth finishes, carefully restored to respect its authenticity. What truly captures the attention, however, is its imposing Morning Glory-style metal horn, finished in an elegant wine-red colour. Its floral design opens in generous curves up to 59 cm in diameter. The horn is not only impeccably painted, with a deep and brilliant finish, but also projects the sound with a warmth and resonance impossible to replicate with modern means.

The mechanical condition is exceptional: this gramophone has been completely restored and works perfectly. The motor runs smoothly, and the playback system is ready to be used with discs of the period. The tonearm retains its original mobility, and the needle can be easily replaced. The soundbox is the machine’s original and somewhat special, as its adjustment screw is located on the side rather than on the front. All parts of the gramophone are original, with the sole exception of the turntable felt, which was replaced as it was in very poor condition. The new surface respects the original aesthetics and ensures optimal playback without compromising authenticity.

Few pieces combine history, elegance, and presence as well as this one. This Zonophone Mod. 3, made in England, is not only ideal for demanding collectors but also for those seeking a conversation piece with its own soul. Its size, its wine-red floral horn, and its excellent state of preservation make it stand out in any setting. It will look splendid in a classic living room or a contemporary space wishing to incorporate a piece loaded with history and personality.

If you are looking for an item with character, beauty, and historical value, this is a unique opportunity to add to your collection an authentic, functional gramophone with more than 100 years of history.

Measurements: Horn length: 73 cm (28.74 in) · Horn diameter: 59 cm (23.23 in) · Base: 35 × 35 cm (13.78 × 13.78 in) · Cabinet height: 18 cm (7.09 in)

History of Zonophone

Zonophone was founded in New Jersey in 1899 by Frank Seaman, a former Berliner representative, with the aim of creating a competitive alternative to the traditional phonograph. From the beginning, Zonophone launched high-quality records and gramophones, becoming a strong competitor to brands such as Columbia and Berliner Gramophone itself. However, after several patent lawsuits, in 1903 the company was absorbed in the US by the Victor Talking Machine Company, which kept the brand as a secondary record label.

Meanwhile, in Europe, the rights were acquired by Gramophone & Typewriter Ltd (G&T), which developed the brand as a way of offering more affordable products without compromising quality. In 1904, the British parent company Gramophone Company Ltd., which later became HMV (His Master’s Voice), acquired the definitive rights to Zonophone outside the United States. From then on, Zonophone was consolidated as a secondary brand of HMV, with particular emphasis on international markets and popular repertoires.

During the 1910s and 1920s, the production of Zonophone gramophones in England became synonymous with reliability and sophistication. High-quality models with external horns, portable, and tabletop versions were manufactured. Many models, such as the Mod. 3, shared exactly the same components and technical level as the HMV Monarch models, making these pieces true mechanical and sonic jewels. With the merger of the Gramophone Company and Columbia in 1931, EMI was born, and Zonophone remained as a secondary label, gradually disappearing from the gramophone market, though it continued as a record label for decades.

Today, Zonophone gramophones are coveted not only for their beauty and design but also for their historical relevance within the development of musical technology in Europe and America. This brand symbolises a key stage in the democratisation of recorded sound.

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