KALAMAZOO DUPLEX PHONOGRAPHThe twin-horn Duplex is one of the most unique phonographs ever made. It's history dates back to the early 1900's, and besides the twin horns, duplex reproducer, etc., it was borne of an aggressive mail-order campaign and sold on "approval" with a time payment plan. Springing into the market around 1906, it was very successful for a short time, and it's maker was ultimately forced out of business by a zealous (and jealous) Victor legal team. By 1909 they were gone and liquidated.The twin-horn setup was said to produce twice the sound. A dubious, but great marketing gimmick, but also designed to circumvent Victor's patent rights. Unfortunately, it didn't work and Victor prevailed in the courts. For a full, detailed story, the Kalamazoo Library has a great web page devoted to this: www.kpl.gov/local-history/business/duplex-phonograph.aspxThe horns were provided by Hawthorne & Sheble, and were called "silk covered", with a maker's label on each. The original horns are provided as shown, in very good condition, with minimal wear and tear.Overall a very fine example, with a few later-made parts, as is common in most examples today. The various parts used in assembling the horn linkage setup were prone to going astray. The turntable is later-made. The horn support arm appears to be original. The phonograph case and decals are in excellent condition, with some minor chipping of the lid evident at the rear edge. The Duplex motor runs smoothly and quietly.

Excellent