H. Lange's Successors.    
21 Little Portland Street, Oxford Circus, London, W. (1908)

Klingsor Works
 22-24 Tabernacle St., London, E. C., (1911)

H. Lange's Successors (1900-1911) imported Klingsor talking machines, known for their unique soundboard design. Early success (hotels, individual sales) crumbled by 1909 due to financial woes and a split between the Kaiser brothers.

The company liquidated, facing lawsuits and scorn from creditors. Despite this, Klingsor Works emerged, likely continuing the Klingsor legacy and even expanding to America.

Their story reflects the competitive, innovative, yet risky early talking machine industry.

A Tale of Innovation and Turmoil: The Short Life of H. Lange's Successors, Ltd. (1900-1911)

Origins and Early Success (1900-1909):

• Formed around 1900 by Robert and Joseph Kaiser, likely taking over from H. Lange (possibly deceased) who had been in business since 1854.
• The company focused on importing and selling talking machines, particularly the innovative Klingsor cabinet disc machines from Klingsor Works in Germany.
• These machines boasted unique features like a hidden horn and a soundboard with piano wires for "musically strengthened" sound.[1]
• Advertisements in trade publications highlighted these features and competitive pricing, suggesting initial success. [2]
• By 1909, they secured sales to hotels and individual customers.

Internal Conflict and Financial Troubles (1909):

• In April 1909, the Kaiser brothers dissolved their partnership, hinting at potential internal issues. [3]
• Also, in April 1909 a Limited private company was formed with a capital of £20,000. The general manager is Mr. Karl Maurice. [4]
• By December 1909, the company faced significant financial difficulties:
• Incomplete financial records.
• Liabilities exceeding £10,000.
• Assets primarily consisting of unsold talking machines.
• A vague proposal for debt repayment in shares of a new company (rejected by creditors).

Demise and Aftermath (1910-1911):

• Creditors voted to remove the Kaiser-appointed liquidators and appoint a new one, suggesting dissatisfaction with the company's management.[5]
• The Gramophone Co. sued H. Lange's Successors, Ltd. for copyright infringement related to a record design. [6]
• The company went into liquidation, with creditors receiving minimal dividends.
• Legal issues continued over the "Favorite" record design, possibly associated with H. Lange's Successors, Ltd.

Rise of Klingsor Works (1910-1914):

• Interestingly, a new company called "Klingsor Works" emerged, occupying larger premises and potentially continuing the legacy of Klingsor machines.
• Klingsor Works advertised their instruments heavily, emphasizing their quality and export success. They even addressed concerns about competitors using similar cabinets but lacking their patented soundboard technology.
• In 1914, the Klingsor Talking Machine Co. of America was established, suggesting continued international expansion for the Klingsor brand.[8]

Uncertainties and Intrigue:

• H. Lange's Successors, Ltd. was liquidated in January 1912. [9]
• It's possible that Klingsor Works was a rebranding effort by the Kaisers or their associates after the failed limited company.

Conclusion:

H. Lange's Successors, Ltd. started with a promising innovation but fell victim to financial mismanagement and potential legal troubles within a few years. The rise of Klingsor Works suggests an attempt to capitalize on the brand recognition, but its long-term success remains unknown. Their story offers a glimpse into the dynamic and competitive early talking machine industry, where innovation and risk were closely intertwined.

[1] Talking Machine World Sep 1907, Page 35.
[2] Talking Machine World Jul 1908, Page 51.
[3] London Gazette Apr 2, 1908, Page 2640.
[4] Talking Machine World Apr 1909, Page 37.
[5] Talking Machine World Dec 1909, Page 19 & 20.
[6] Talking Machine World Jun 1910, Page 21.
[7] Talking Machine World Feb 1911, Page 26.
[8] Talking Machine World Oct 1913, Page 43.
[9] London Gazette Jan 30, 1912, Page 752.