Antique Chantal Gramophone-phonograph With Brass Horn. Belgium Circa 1920

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This magnificent Chantal gramophone or phonograph with brass horn, manufactured in Belgium around 1920, is an exceptional piece that combines art, history, and music. Its imposing presence captures attention at first sight thanks to the large multi-petal brass horn, delicately embossed with Art Nouveau vegetal motifs unfolding like a metallic flower. The horn retains its original patina, with marks and touches that are the best proof of its authenticity and its journey through more than a century.

The mahogany wooden base stands out for its elegant construction. It features a square, solid design with turned corner columns that give it a classical architectural air. The plinth is enriched with gilded metal appliqués in the form of garlands, while a pearl-like perimeter cord highlights the lid on top, adding brightness and refinement. On one side remains the original Chantal decal, with its radiant sun and the legend “Marque Déposée”, clear and perfectly adhered, a highly valued detail among collectors.

The turntable retains green felt, replaced during restoration, which adds contrast and liveliness to the ensemble. On the platform are the brake and the speed regulator, both firm and operational. The tonearm and elbow, both nickel-plated, shine brilliantly and are in perfect condition.

The spring motor, serviced and adjusted, works smoothly and steadily, providing stable playback. Speed rises quickly and remains constant, without strange noises or slack in the spindle, proof of careful mechanics ready for continued use. This not only adds functional value but also makes the gramophone an ideal piece for both listening and display.

Overall condition is excellent for its age. The wood retains a satin varnish with well-marked grain and clean edges. The gilding of the appliqués remains bright with only slight signs of time, adding character without affecting its presence. The horn, with its antique finish, conveys the warmth of the passing years. The harmony between case, horn, and metal details makes this device an object of great aesthetic and decorative value.

A gramophone like this is not just a player of old records, but a witness of the golden age of domestic music. Its aesthetics make it sensational as a centerpiece in a living room, an elegant study, or a collection of sound-related antiques. Moreover, its functional character and the fact that it is fully serviced turn it into a safe investment that combines beauty with usability.

A unique opportunity to add to your collection a prestigious piece, with history and in perfect working order.

Dimensions: Base 46 x 46 cm (18.11 x 18.11 in). Case height 20.5 cm (8.07 in). Horn length 63 cm (24.8 in). Horn diameter 62 cm (24.41 in).

History of Chantal

The Compagnie Belge Chantal was founded in Ghent in 1919 by musician and instrument maker Léon Moeremans. Its origins were linked to the manufacture of wind instruments and pianos, but soon expanded into the world of gramophones and records. Within a few years, Chantal became the first truly Belgian firm to produce gramophones and shellac records. Its headquarters were located on Rue du Petit Toquet in Ghent, and in the 1920s it opened a branch in Lille, France, to expand into the French-speaking market.

The company produced both trumpet gramophones and Art Déco-style cabinet models in fine woods such as oak and mahogany. The quality of their finishes distinguished them in the European market at a time dominated by foreign brands. Chantal pressed 78 rpm records and recorded more than 4,000 titles, including opera, Belgian popular music, and even jazz. Under labels such as “Disque Chantal”, “Chantal de Luxe” or “Chantal Saphir”, the firm provided an important local production in an industry dominated by international companies.

Its rise coincided with the interwar period, when the gramophone was a symbol of status in bourgeois homes. However, the Great Depression and the rise of radio led to its closure in 1932. Although short-lived, Chantal left a significant mark on Belgian cultural history, as a pioneer in both gramophone manufacturing and record production. Today its gramophones are highly valued by collectors for their solidity, refined aesthetics, and unique brand identity.

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