C. Kays asks in the 071211 MMD for information about a Troubadour
disc box matching this description: plays discs 9" diameter, walnut
box, 10.5"D x 9.5"W x 6.75"H.
On p. 237 of the Bowers Encyclopedia is a short history of the
Troubadour, with illustrated descriptions of the styles made. The
Troubadour, made in several sizes, was a product of B. Grosz & Co.,
Leipzig. Troubadours were sold in small quantities in comparison
with the output of the big three, Symphonion, Polyphon, and Regina,
and very few Troubadours survive today. They were manufactured from
the 1890's to the early 1900's.
C. Kays' Troubadour fits Bowers' description of the No. 44B: 44 teeth
in the comb, using a 22.5 cm. disc, walnut case measuring 27x24x15 cm.,
with gold engraving. The cost in 1904 was 47 Marks. Discs were .58
Mk. each.
The 44B could be modified for use with the Triumph Christmas tree
stand by purchasing a drive mechanism for 9 Mk.
Matthew Caulfield
Irondequoit, New York
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