Name/Title
Excelsior Concert Phonograph by Laurent & SalomonEntry/Object ID
122Description
Germany / France, c. 1900
A rare luxury version of the Excelsior phonograph – refined for the French market
This magnificent piece combines German engineering with French elegance: it is based on a Concert Phonograph by the Excelsior-Werke of Cologne and was custom-finished by the Parisian firm Laurent & Salomon – with an elaborately crafted case designed specifically for the French market.
The Excelsior-Werke Cologne – Inventive spirit from the Rhineland
Founded in 1897, the Excelsiorwerk GmbH in Cologne-Nippes was one of Germany’s most innovative manufacturers of phonographs and cylinder devices. In addition to hard-cast cylinders and dictation machines, Excelsior also developed home-use phonographs. Their mechanical design was known for robustness, smooth operation, and clever technical solutions – often compatible with Edison systems.
The model shown here is based on the rare Excelsior Concert Phonograph, which – as the name suggests – was designed for use with large-format Concert cylinders. The mechanism allowed the exchange of the cylinder mandrel, enabling playback of other formats such as Standard or Inter cylinders.
Laurent & Salomon – Parisian refinement for the elegant home
The prestigious Paris-based firm Laurent & Salomon, located at 12 Rue Paul-Lelong, specialized around 1900 in the import and enhancement of German phonographs. They adapted the mechanics to French standards and fitted the machines with richly decorated oak cases – often hand-carved – intended as presentation pieces for affluent households.
The model shown here features a monumental carved base, floral engraving, and high-quality craftsmanship – likely intended as a prestigious parlour piece or celebratory gift. French advertisements from the era suggest that such models were also marketed as “cadeaux de mariage” (wedding gifts).
The brass plaque “Vérifié – F. Laurent & P. Salomon – Paris” indicates that the phonograph underwent final quality control after being reworked.
Technical Features and Distinctions
Base Model: Excelsior Concert Phonograph (Cologne, c. 1900)
Horn: Large-format horn in blue enamel with violet trim – typically French in shape and colour
Reproducer Mechanism: Classic Excelsior-style tonearm with original reproducer
Mandrel System: Interchangeable cylinder spindles for Standard, Concert, or Inter formats
Cabinet: Solid oak case with elaborate floral carvings – made in Paris
Signature: Oval brass plaque from Laurent & Salomon certifying authenticity and quality
Significance at the Edisonium Mariazell
This exhibit is among the most visually striking highlights of the museum. It marks the transition from purely functional phonographs to luxurious showpieces – machines designed not just to be heard, but to be admired. The blend of German precision and French artistry illustrates the international character of early sound recording, and how sound itself became a question of style and social status.
Conclusion
An exceptional artifact of the phonograph era around 1900 – elegant, technically sophisticated, and exceedingly rare.
The Excelsior Concert by Laurent & Salomon is not just a playback machine – it is a symbol of the phonograph’s rise from technical marvel to cultural icon.
