Antique Spanish Gramophone-phonograph By Serrano Y Arpí, Barcelona, Spain Circa

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This beautiful and well-preservedSpanish horn gramophone or phonograph was manufactured around 1915 by therenowned Barcelona firm Serrano y Arpí, under the brand “AM – AparatosFonográficos.” It is an authentic and complete piece, highly representative ofthe beginnings of the Spanish phonographic industry. It stands out for itselegance, structural solidity and excellent performance, qualities that make itboth a collector’s item and a fully functional instrument.

 The large Spanish-style metal hornretains its original deep emerald-green paint with a satin interior. It showslight and uniform wear, typical of the passage of time, which not only does notdetract from its value but adds character and authenticity. This vibrant horncontrasts magnificently with the solid mahogany base. The case remains in verygood condition, with an even shine and visible grain that enhances itsaesthetics. The gilt metal fittings with floral motifs and the fluted cornercolumns, in neoclassical style, reinforce its visual appeal and give the piecea majestic presence.

 The metal turntable spins smoothlythanks to the original Swiss double-spring motor, still in excellent workingcondition. Although the felt has been replaced with a new one, all othercomponents remain original, giving the piece high historical and investmentvalue. The sound is clear, powerful, and well projected for its typology. Allmechanisms – soundbox arm, brake, regulator, and crank – are original to themodel. The soundbox itself is also original, still bearing the inscription“Aparatos Fonográficos AM – Marca Registrada.”

 This gramophone represents a rarebalance between aesthetics and functionality. It is ideal both for inclusion ina collection and for decorating a classical or vintage-style interior withpersonality and charm. Its exceptional state of preservation and the beauty ofits finishes make it especially hard to find in such conditions.

 A unique opportunity to acquire anoriginal sound object with history, presence, and value.

 Dimensions: Horn length 67 cm (26.38in). Horn diameter 62 cm (24.41 in). Base width 41 cm (16.14 in). Base depth 41cm (16.14 in). Case height 22 cm (8.66 in).

 History of Serrano y Arpí

 Serrano y Arpí was a Barcelona-basedfirm dedicated to the manufacture of gramophones and phonographs in the early20th century. Registered under the commercial name “Aparatos Fonográficos AM –Marca Registrada,” its activity began around 1913, with advertisements alreadyappearing in the Catalan press that year. Its main premises were located atCalle del Vidrio nº 7, in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, a historic andcommercial hub at the time. Later, a shop was also opened at Plaza Cucurulla nº2, a central area with high pedestrian traffic that favored direct sales.

 All known documentation places thecompany’s activity exclusively in Barcelona. While there are occasionalmentions of a possible connection with Madrid, there is no evidence of a branchthere. More likely, its distribution network reached all of Spain fromBarcelona, through catalog orders or agreements with local dealers. In its adsand catalogues, the firm proudly presented itself as a manufacturer,emphasizing its own production with statements such as “Talking Machinesmanufactured in Barcelona by Serrano y Arpí AM.”

 Their products enjoyed a goodreputation for clear sound, solidity, and refined aesthetics, as seen in thesurviving models. The company also offered technical services, spare parts, andaccessories, which shows their comprehensive customer service. Their AM brandwas even found on promotional cardboard discs and on high-qualityidentification plates, further strengthening their commercial presence at thetime.

 Serrano y Arpí’s gramophones arerecognized for careful craftsmanship, both in wood finishing and mechanicalprecision. Although the exact closure date is unknown, the firm remained activeat least until the late 1920s, when gramophones began to give way to new soundformats.

 Today, Serrano y Arpí gramophonesare considered true collector’s pieces, prized for their beauty, reliability,and as witnesses to a brilliant era of Spanish phonographic history. Theirrarity on the market, combined with their characteristic design, makes themhighly valued by collectors and sound history enthusiasts alike.

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