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Polyphon

The Polyphon is a disc-playing , a that uses interchangeable stamped metal discs to produce tunes via a comb of tuned steel teeth struck by pins on the rotating disc. Invented in 1870 in , , it was produced by the Polyphon Musikwerke company, which specialized in clockwork-driven devices embedded in furniture and standalone cabinets. Founded by Gustave Brachhausen in collaboration with engineer Paul Riessner, the Polyphon Musikwerke began full-scale production by the late , quickly becoming one of the leading manufacturers of disc-based music boxes alongside competitors like Symphonion. The mechanism operates on a hand-wound motor that rotates the while an arm with ratchets plucks the comb, allowing for tunes lasting up to two minutes on larger 15.5-inch ; smaller models used 8¼-inch or 11-inch for shorter melodies. These instruments were often housed in ornate wooden cases of or other fine woods, featuring decorative , inlaid designs, and sometimes additional bells or for enhanced sound. Polyphon boxes gained international popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in and , where they served as luxury parlor entertainment before the rise of phonographs. In 1892, recognizing the vast American market, the company dispatched Brachhausen to establish the Regina Music Box Company in , which produced similar disc players and became a dominant force until the 1920s. Production peaked around 1900, with models ranging from tabletop versions to grand coin-operated cabinets installed in public spaces like restaurants and arcades. However, competition from recorded sound technologies, coupled with economic disruptions from , led to the company's bankruptcy in 1922, marking the end of large-scale Polyphon manufacturing. Today, antique Polyphon music boxes are prized by collectors for their craftsmanship and as precursors to modern automatic music devices, with reproductions of discs still produced by specialized workshops.

Company History

Founding and Early Development

The disc-playing mechanism central to Polyphon music boxes was invented in 1870 by a inventor, marking an early innovation in mechanical music reproduction that replaced cumbersome cylinders with interchangeable metal discs for easier tune selection. Polyphon Musikwerke originated from the partnership of Gustav Adolf Brachhausen, a skilled mechanic, and Ernst Paul Riessner, an engineer, who established Firma Brachhausen & Riessner in 1887 in Wahren, a district of , , specifically to manufacture these disc-playing music boxes. The firm began operations in a modest setup in Wahren, focusing on producing mechanical musical instruments for the growing in late 19th-century . In 1895, the company was reorganized and renamed Polyphon Musikwerke A.G., positioning it as the first major commercial producer of disc music boxes, with full-scale production commencing around 1896. From its inception, Polyphon emphasized basic music boxes and coin-operated models, including musical hall clocks that combined timekeeping with automated disc playback to appeal to public venues and households. These early products featured simple, durable mechanisms housed in wooden cases, reflecting the company's initial manufacturing capabilities in . By the late 1890s, this focus laid the groundwork for broader expansion, though the firm remained rooted in its operations until the early 1900s.

Expansion and International Reach

In 1892, recognizing the substantial market potential in the United States, the Polyphon company, founded in , , dispatched key employees Gustav Adolf Brachhausen and Ernst Paul Riessner to establish the Music Box Company in , as a means to circumvent import tariffs and directly serve the American audience. This move marked Polyphon's initial international expansion, with Regina initially producing music boxes nearly identical to Polyphon's disc-based designs, quickly capturing 80-90% of the U.S. market by the early 1900s. By the early 1900s, Polyphon's production had scaled significantly, transitioning from niche manufacturing to large-scale output of diverse configurations, including mechanisms embedded in furniture such as cabinets and clocks to integrate music playback into items. This growth reflected the company's adaptation to broader consumer demands, with factories in producing thousands of units annually amid rising global interest in mechanical music devices. Amid the challenges of , Polyphon Musikwerke A.G. underwent a corporate in 1917, renaming itself Polyphon-Werke A.G. following its acquisition of , as wartime pressures intensified financial strains and operational shifts. The conflict disrupted factory operations in through material shortages and labor reallocations, prompting the company to diversify into non-musical products like typewriters to sustain viability during the hostilities. These wartime adaptations highlighted Polyphon's resilience, though they foreshadowed post-war economic difficulties leading to bankruptcy in 1922.

Music Box Products

Design and Core Mechanism

The Polyphon music box featured a disc-based mechanism that represented a significant from the pinned designs prevalent in 19th-century music instruments, enabling simpler customization through interchangeable tune discs and greater resistance to wear compared to fixed cylinders. This adaptation emerged in the late in , where Polyphon Musikwerke in scaled production for domestic and international markets, building on principles from earlier carillon-like devices miniaturized for home use. At its core, the mechanism consisted of a tuned comb with graduated teeth of varying lengths and thicknesses to produce different pitches, a central for rotating the , and a to regulate playback speed and ensure rhythmic consistency. The interchangeable discs, typically crafted from durable or and measuring from 9.5 to 22 inches in diameter across various models, were stamped with raised pins or projections positioned to encode melodies and harmonies. Polyphon discs featured specific hub diameters and projection arrangements, allowing interchangeability with models but not with competitors like Symphonion to protect patents and . These projections interacted with intermediary ratchets or star wheels mounted on pivots adjacent to the comb, allowing precise activation of individual teeth as the disc turned. The design emphasized high-quality materials for acoustic clarity and mechanical reliability, including for the comb teeth—often with added lead weights on shorter tines to fine-tune —and robust metal alloys for the and components. Powered by a spring-driven motor, this configuration supported multiple discs for varied selections, distinguishing Polyphon boxes from rigid predecessors by prioritizing user flexibility and engineering precision.

Models and Technical Variants

Polyphon music boxes were categorized by style numbers that indicated their size, disc diameter, and intended use, ranging from compact units to substantial console models suitable for larger spaces. Small models, such as the Style 71G, utilized 9.75-inch (24.5 cm) discs and often incorporated premium features like six saucer bells to augment the melody with percussive tones. Medium-sized variants, exemplified by the Style 45, were designed as elegant cabinets playing 15.5-inch discs, frequently equipped with double combs for harmonic depth and attachments for string-like resonance in select configurations. Larger console models, like the Style 104, featured 20-inch discs within tall, ornate cabinets with carved accents, optimized for prominent placement in homes or public areas. Technical variants expanded functionality beyond standard playback. Coin-operated models, such as the Style 6K, accepted 5 coins to activate 22-inch playback, targeting commercial venues like cafes and arcades for unattended . Autochange mechanisms appeared in specialized styles, including Style 4 and Style 5, enabling sequential play of 6 to 8 without manual intervention, often combined with ratchet-wind systems for convenience. Other innovations included castanet effects in certain premium editions, though bells remained the most enhancement for rhythmic . The core across models relied on punched metal discs engaging a of tuned teeth, with variations in comb length and material contributing to tonal differences. Production occurred from the late , with main manufacturing from the to the 1920s, at the Polyphon Musikwerke factory in , , yielding thousands of units that reflected evolving mechanical refinements during this period.

Operation and Sound Production

The Polyphon music box operates using a spring-driven motor, which is wound manually with a to tension a coiled steel spring housed in a barrel. This stored energy drives the mechanism, powering the rotation of the for the duration of playback, typically providing about 2 minutes of continuous operation per full winding, varying slightly with the model and size. Once wound and started by releasing a brake, the disc rotates on a central at a constant speed regulated by a to ensure steady . Projections or plectra on the underside of the interchangeable metal engage a series of ratchets or star wheels, which in turn pluck the tuned teeth of the to produce individual notes. The arrangement of these projections on the encodes the , with the position and length of the comb teeth determining and . The resulting sound features a bright, metallic characteristic of the vibrating steel comb teeth, amplified by within the wooden case of . Polyphon offered tune sheets or catalogs listing over 100 available melodies per disc size, including popular waltzes such as "" by and marches like "Washington Post" by , allowing users to select and interchange discs for varied performances. For optimal performance and longevity, regular maintenance is essential, including periodic oiling of the gears and pivots with a high-quality clock oil to reduce friction and wear on the spring motor. Users must also handle discs carefully to prevent scratches or bends, as damage to the projections can distort note production or cause skipping.

Record Label Operations

Establishment and Production

The Polyphon Musik was established on April 2, , by Polyphon Musikwerke A.G. as an extension of the company's operations into phonograph records, building on its established expertise in mechanical music devices. In 1917, Polyphon acquired , enhancing its recording facilities and output. This move represented a strategic diversification for the firm, which had previously focused on music boxes and orchestrions, allowing it to capitalize on the growing demand for recorded sound in the early . Headquartered in , —specifically in the Wahren district—the label utilized production facilities originally developed for manufacturing, which were adapted to handle the pressing of discs by the mid-1900s. These in-house capabilities enabled efficient disc production, with records primarily formatted as 78 RPM discs in 10-inch and 12-inch diameters to accommodate varying playing times for different genres. Early production emphasized a repertoire drawn from classical pieces, military marches, and contemporary popular tunes, often adapting selections from the parent company's existing catalogs of mechanical music tunes to suit acoustic recording techniques. This focus allowed Polyphon Musik to quickly build a diverse output, pressing discs that appealed to both traditional and emerging musical tastes in the pre-electric recording era.

Catalog and Notable Artists

Polyphon Record's catalog expanded rapidly in the early , reflecting the label's commitment to diverse musical offerings on discs. The releases were organized into numbering series that facilitated targeted distribution of content, allowing collectors and consumers to navigate the growing inventory efficiently. The label's repertoire emphasized light , operetta excerpts, and folk traditions, capturing the popular tastes of pre- and interwar . By the , Polyphon incorporated emerging influences, blending them with traditional forms to appeal to evolving audiences, as seen in recordings that fused syncopated rhythms with European melodic structures. Representative examples include polkas, marches, and carols alongside more sophisticated operatic arias, showcasing the label's versatility in programming. Key figures associated with Polyphon included the in-house Polyphon Orchestra (Polyphon-Orchester), which provided numerous orchestral accompaniments and standalone instrumental tracks, such as "Der Fidele Kupferschmied / Wanderliedermarsch" (catalog 1648). Prominent vocalists like Heinrich Schlusnus contributed acclaimed recordings, including arias such as "Caro Mio Ben / Largo" on 12-inch shellacs. Additionally, the label captured early sessions with the Orchestra, featuring works like "Salome's Dance" (CA. 8017), highlighting Polyphon's role in documenting major symphonic ensembles. Distribution centered on Europe, with primary markets in , , , , and through Polyphonwerke's subsidiaries. Exports extended to the via affiliate networks until the 1930s, alongside shipments to regions like , Persia, and , broadening the label's global footprint before its merger with in 1932.

Legacy and Modern Context

Cultural and Historical Impact

Polyphon's disc-playing music boxes played a pivotal role in popularizing mechanical, disc-based music reproduction during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, paving the way for subsequent innovations in phonographs and coin-operated jukeboxes. The industry shifted from cylinder-based designs to more durable and versatile punched metal discs starting in with innovations by competitors like Symphonion, and Polyphon contributed significantly to this advancement through its high-quality mechanisms and widespread production. This development influenced the creation of automatic disc-changing systems, as seen in the Company's "King of the Music Boxes," established by former Polyphon associates in the United States. Similarly, Polyphon's coin-operated models functioned as precursors to modern jukeboxes, allowing users in taverns and music halls to insert coins for entertainment, thereby democratizing access to music outside the home. The cultural footprint of Polyphon devices extended into , symbolizing the era's fascination with automated, pre-electric and integrating into domestic and settings. Exported globally with region-specific disc catalogs, these music boxes graced middle-class parlors and public arcades, offering an affordable alternative to live performances and fostering a shared auditory experience in an age before widespread radio or recordings. Their ornate cases, often adorned with and cherub motifs, blended artistry with technology, reflecting Victorian and Edwardian aesthetics while making sophisticated sound reproduction accessible to non-musicians. In public spaces, coin-operated Polyphons generated revenue for establishments and provided immersive, interactive leisure, embodying the transitional period from ingenuity to electrical . The company's decline mirrored broader economic and technological shifts, with mechanical music box production effectively ceasing after its bankruptcy in 1922, driven by competition from recorded sound technologies and disruptions from . Meanwhile, Polyphon's diversification into record production faced further challenges from the , leading to a merger of its record operations with in 1932 and the eventual shutdown of remaining facilities. Preservation efforts have since ensured their historical legacy, with examples like a 1905 table-top model held in the Collection in the UK, complete with original discs, highlighting their engineering and cultural value. Additionally, institutions such as the maintain functional Polyphon units, while digitized catalogs of associated records on platforms like aid scholarly access to their musical repertoire. These artifacts underscore Polyphon's enduring significance as a bridge between artisanal craftsmanship and mass entertainment.

Reproductions and Collectibility

In the late , Polyphon Musikwerke, a small business based in , began reproducing original-style Polyphon tune discs using traditional 19th-century stamping methods on tin-plated sheet steel to ensure authenticity in sound and construction. These custom reproductions are made to order for various disc sizes, such as 19 5/8 inches, 22 inches, and 24 1/2 inches, and are tested for playability before shipping, allowing collectors to expand or replace worn discs for antique Polyphon mechanisms. Antique Polyphon music boxes are highly collectible, with values ranging from $1,000 for smaller, functional models in to over $50,000 for rare upright or coin-operated variants in excellent restored state, depending on factors like size, originality, and . Individual original discs typically sell for $20 to $200 each, with rarer titles commanding higher prices due to their scarcity and ; active markets include online platforms like and specialized auctions where lots of 10–20 discs often fetch $200–$1,000 collectively. Restored originals are available through specialists such as Maison Robert in , which focuses on preserving mechanical integrity and casework, and international restorers like Johan Goyvaerts in and Stephen T.P. Kember in the UK, who handle full overhauls including comb cleaning and disc resurfacing. Digital emulations have made Polyphon sounds more accessible in modern contexts, exemplified by the free Soundpaint Polyphon plugin released in by 8Dio, which uses 264 real-time samples captured at 48 kHz/24-bit to replicate the and note variations of a late 19th-century Polyphon . However, challenges persist with physical originals, particularly the rarity of playable discs, many of which suffer from rust, dents, or wear that require specialized techniques like evaporust treatment to avoid damaging perforations. Enthusiast communities, such as the Mechanical Music Digest forums, provide resources for , , and sourcing parts, fostering ongoing preservation efforts among collectors.

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