Bidspirit auction | Reginaphone 240 Lions Head Music

Reginaphone 240 Lions Head Music Box / Phonograph - The Reginaphone style 240 is a historic, hybrid musical machine introduced in 1903 by the Regina Music Box Company of Rahway, New Jersey. As Thomas Edison’s phonograph grew wildly popular in the early 20th century, traditional music box sales plummeted. In an effort to survive, Regina partnered with the American Graphophone Company to create a dual-purpose luxury instrument. The Reginaphone combined two distinct functions in one cabinet: It used Regina's signature flat, 15.5” perforated metal discs to pluck notes from two tuned metal combs, producing deep, rich musical resonance. By swapping out components and installing a specialized turntable over the center spindle, the machine also plays 78rpm phonograph records. The style 240 or ”Lion's Head” as it is known, is one of the most famous and extravagant models. It features an internal horn housed within a striking, serpentine mahogany or oak cabinet decorated with carved lion heads. Sliding curved doors on the front allows users to manually control the volume. This machine has the original mahogany finish in good condition. The inside of the lid has scratches on the Reginaphone decal. The double music box comb has no broken or chipped teeth. It winds and plays beautifully with deep rich tone. By adding the included turntable you can play 78 r.p.m. phonograph records. The reproducer has been rebuilt and the tone arm moves freely. It has its original winding crank and cabinet key. 2 doors open below for record and disc storge. The slide open sound doors are missing the small wood pulls. Measures 50” tall, 21” wide, 21” deep. This item is customer pickup or 3rd party transporter only.