In the 1920s, children's record players became noticeably popular. Bing, a company based in Nuremberg, were well known as a manufacturer of mechanical toys and teddy bears. They had a department devoted to making a range of children's record players and the 'Pigmyphone' is a typical example of their work. These machines were made from sheet metal and painted with simple, colourful illustrations, often depicting fairy tale or jazz-age figures.
The Pigmyphone was a cheaply made but robust machine, capable of withstanding the rough handling associated with a spirited child. The horn was fixed directly to the diaphragm and the turntable's motor was key-wound. All the parts could be disassembled and stored in the decorated metal case for transport.
Size (mm): W 165 x H 72 x D 165
For more information click on the 'Details' button within the flash interactive or view the accessible version.
