Name/Title
Graphophone “BC” Electric with Mechanical Repeater from the LaboratoryEntry/Object ID
155Description
Graphophone “BC” Electric with Mechanical Repeater
American Graphophone Company, Laboratory Model No. 530 – ca. 1908–1909
Extremely rare electrically powered Graphophone with Higham mechanical sound amplification
Historical Background
The “BC” series was among the most advanced and ambitious developments to emerge from the Laboratories of the American Graphophone Company. Originally introduced around 1905 as a spring‑driven model, it was later adapted for electric operation.
The example shown here is an absolute rarity: an electric BC equipped with a mechanical repeater and bearing the round brass “Model 530” laboratory plaque. It is the only known example of this configuration in existence.
The repeater allowed a cylinder to be automatically replayed without any intervention from the operator. This made it possible for the machine to run continuously for hours on end – perfect for use in department stores, shop windows, trade fairs, or exhibitions, where uninterrupted operation before an audience was desired.
Technical Innovations
Higham Mechanical Sound Amplification
A hallmark of the BC series was the Higham‑Macdonald “Loud‑Play” system.
Behind the 4‑inch diaphragm of the reproducer sat a rotating amber wheel, connected via a semi‑circular vulcanite shoe to the diaphragm linkage.
During operation, the amber wheel applied continuous, even pressure to the diaphragm, increasing its tension. The result was a significantly louder output – purely mechanical, without any electrical amplification. This design made the BC one of the loudest acoustic Graphophones of its time.
Motor & Drive
110‑volt electric motor (later also available as universal AC/DC motor)
Four‑ball governor for precise speed regulation
Mechanical repeater for automatic replay
Cabinet
Heavy oak cabinet with inlaid decorative panels, moulded edges, and brass fittings
Drop‑front panel for easy motor access
Round brass Laboratory “Model 530” plaque
Applications
With its mechanical repeater, long‑run capability, and powerful acoustic output, the BC Electric was ideally suited for public demonstrations and commercial applications – from shop‑window advertising to trade‑fair presentations.
Unlike domestic phonographs, it could run for extended periods without manual winding.
Rarity & Significance
Only known electric BC with mechanical repeater
One of very few surviving electric “BC” Graphophones of any kind
Represents the pinnacle of purely mechanical‑acoustic design, just before the advent of electric amplification in the 1920s
This exceptional exhibit at the Edisonium Mariazell stands as a one‑of‑a‑kind technical masterpiece from the golden age of experimental sound technology – combining Higham’s ingenious mechanical amplification, electric drive, and automatic long‑play operation in a single, remarkable machine.
