A little light on lamp phonographs

SEPT., 2004
COPYRIGHT 2004 LYNN BILTON

The Phonolamp
Electric Phonograph Company
29 West 34th St, New York, New York.
Trademarked 1917.

A series of Phonolamp records, pressed from Grey Gull titles, were available with the machine in 1921.


Stripped of its light fixture, the Phonolamp resembles a large black urn.


The Modernola
Johnstown,Pennsylvania.
Trademarked 1918. Trademark refiled 1923.

These circular machines have been seen in walnut, mahogany and Chinese Chippendale finishes. Tabletop Modernolas have been reported.
The Modernola Company turns up in the Johnstown business directory as late as 1923.
Like many other struggling phonograph companies in the 1920s Modernola also began to offer radios.


The interior of this Modernola featured distinctive red cardboard drawers.


The Modernolette, a picnic portable sold by Modernola, did not contain a light.

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