Vanishingly Rare Original Owners Manual for 1895 Columbia N (Bijou) Graphophone!

Description

In my ongoing quest to thin out my collection, I am or will be posting on Ebay a number of antique phonograph parts and accessories that I picked up over the decades in here in northern New England, usually in large lots or salvaged from machines beyond restoration. This one is really special, an ultra-rare piece of ephemera from the very earliest days of home phonographs: It’s a 4-page operating manual for a Columbia model N Graphophone, known as the “Bijou,” from 1895. This was only the second phonograph Columbia made for home use, and the first phonograph any American company made for families that weren’t very rich; its price in 1895 was , a middle-class family’s monthly income, but still withing reach. To say that the Bijou revolutionized the industry is an understatement – Edison scurried to catch up, ultimately introducing its own Home Phonograph a couple of years later.
The Bijou is a scarce and highly-prized machine; this operators manual is, as far as I know, the only extant example. It measures approximately 6.” X 4.5”, and has a crease across the front and one small dark spot (pictured) that goes all the way through. There are no tears or separating pages. It includes instructions on how to make your own recording, maintain the motor, and care for records, as well as a detailed diagram. A true, and significant, piece of phonographic history.
If you have been hoping against hope to find one of these, this really is your lucky day; you will never find another. Best of all, I offer it here with NO RESERVE – high bidder takes it!
I will ship this item ONLY within the United States. If you live elsewhere and are interested in it, please contact me BEFORE bidding so we can discuss the shipping charges, which can be very expensive outside the U.S. I ship once a week (whenever possible). Having received, over the years, some items that did not survive shipping, I always take care to pack very carefully. If you prefer, I will be happy to drop it off at a nearby UPS store and have it professionally packed and shipped at your expense. I reserve the right to raise or lower the shipping charges should they prove to be significantly different than those determined by the shipping calculator. I reserve the right to refuse sale to anyone with excessive negative feedback or an otherwise suspicious history. Payment is due within three (3) days of the auction's close. Due to its age I am selling this item without any warranty. All sales are final. I am not a dealer, and don’t have a big operation with a staff, so I would appreciate your patience while I take the time to pack your items with the care they deserve.
Be sure to see all the pictures! I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have, but please try to ask as early as possible, as it sometimes takes me a while to get to my email. Please see my other listings, as I am running out of space and am thinning out my collection considerably. I have several fine items up on Ebay right now, and will be listing many more in the weeks and months to come, so please keep checking. Good luck and happy bidding!