The first advertisements for the Canadian Phonograph Co. appeared in Toronto newspapers in mid-1906, while the last known advertisements date from late 1909. The company was located at 12 Yonge Street Arcade, Toronto (later 9 Yonge Street Arcade and 3 Queen Street East). It offered a wide range of phonographs, "for cash or credit," including American makes such as Edison, Victor, Columbia and Zonophone, as well as British makes such as Neophone and Edison Bell. It also sold phonograph supplies and accessories and provided repair services.
An original circa 1907 external horn phonograph bears a metal identification plate reading "The Sonograph M'fd for Canadian Phonograph Co., Toronto," suggesting that the Canadian Phonograph Co. commissioned or marketed the machine rather than necessarily manufacturing it. The soundbox is marked "Mason & Risch, Toronto," providing evidence that the Toronto piano manufacturer supplied this component. The identity of the firm responsible for manufacturing the complete machine remains unknown.
Toronto Telegram, May 12, 1906, p. 9.
Globe and Mail, November 17, 1906, p. 2.
Toronto Telegram, December 14, 1906, p. 4.
Toronto Telegram, December 24, 1906, p. 3.
Toronto Telegram, January 18, 1907, p. 17.
Toronto Telegram, March 20, 1907, p. 5.
Toronto Star, April 27, 1907, p. 8.
Toronto Star, May 4, 1907, p. 17.
Toronto Star, May 15, 1907, p. 11.
Toronto Star, August 16, 1907, p. 5.
Toronto Star, May 20, 1908, p. 4.
Toronto Star, May 22, 1908, p. 4.
Toronto Star, November 7, 1908, p. 8.
Hamilton Spectator, October 11, 1909, p. 7. "See our splendid sonograph."
Toronto Star, November 6, 1909, p. 2. The half-hour programme was provided by the Sonograph.
Globe and Mail, November 27, 1909, p. 2. Programme by the Sonograph.
From the Domenic DiBernardo Collection. Photographs by Cheryl Wright. Back-mount phonographs became common after 1903.
The sound box is labelled for 'Mason & Risch Toronto', originally a piano company who also manufactured a line of internal horn phonographs.
