Before it became an iconic advertising symbol, the trademark image of a dog listening to a phonograph comes from a painting by English artist Francis Barraud and titled His Master's Voice. According to Gramophone Company publicity material, the dog, a terrier named “Nipper”, had originally belonged to Barraud's brother, Mark. When Mark Barraud died, Francis inherited “Nipper”, along with a cylinder phonograph and recordings of Mark's voice. Francis noted the peculiar interest that the dog took in the recorded voice of his late master emanating from the horn, so conceived the idea of committing the scene to canvas.

The image became the successful trademark of the Victor and HMV (His Master’s Voice) record labels, HMV music stores, and the Radio Corporation of America, which we know, of course, as RCA after the acquisition of the Victor company in 1929.

Presented here is a vintage painted metal statuette of “Nipper” with an actual 1905 Edison Standard Phonograph machine. “Nipper” is 17+ inches tall and has realistic-looking brown glass eyes. It dates from the 1920s and was placed in stores for promotional purposes. This vintage “Nipper” is in very solid overall condition overall, his charm is still intact. The phonograph machine is in excellent condition and the display of this unforgettable combination will stop admirers of dogs, recorded sound and popular culture in their tracks!

Estimate: $15,000+