Laurent & Salomon – Phonograph
Paris, ca. 1900
Historical Background
The Parisian company Laurent (F.) & P. Salomon, located at 12 Rue Paul-Lelong, was around 1900 a well-known supplier of phonographs and cylinders. Rather than developing their own mechanisms, they primarily imported small Excelsior models and mounted them in elaborately crafted French mahogany cabinets.
These cabinets were designed to give the machines a more prestigious appearance – often much larger than the actual mechanism and sometimes equipped with drawers for accessories. The brass plates bore the inscription “Vérifié – F. Laurent & P. Salomon – Paris,” indicating verified quality.
Technology and Features
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Mechanism: imported Excelsior, spring-driven motor, playing time approx. 2 minutes.
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Cabinet: large French mahogany case with drawer, elegant moldings, and patented French lid clasps.
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Marking: oval brass plate “Vérifié – F. Laurent & P. Salomon – Paris.”
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Marketing: Laurent & Salomon advertised “scientifically tested acoustics” and “artistically superior” cylinders, compatible with all Edison and Graphophone machines.
Rarity and Significance
These “Vérifié” phonographs are representative of the French tradition of refinement: imported standard mechanisms were set into luxurious cabinets to distinguish them from the plainer American originals.
Today, Laurent & Salomon phonographs with their original plaque are extremely rare. The example on display at the Edisonium is a striking illustration of the combination of industrial mass production and French craftsmanship
