Like many "Belle Epoque" French phonographs, the mechanical design of this machine was largely modelled after the Columbia Type B "Eagle." However this "Idéal No. 3" is larger and more substantial than the Eagle, and the heavy oak base and lid are much more finely crafted. It was made in Paris in 1905 by "Maison de la Bonne Presse," a religious publishing company whose tiny phonograph venture was dwarfed by competition from Pathé, the leading French manufacturer. Originally called "Nouvelle Boite aux Secrets" ('New Box of Secrets') it was renamed the "Idéal No. 3" in 1906. It has a heavily nickelled keywound open-works motor with a prominent speed indicator, and features a removable mandrel to play the uniquely European 3" diameter records known as "Inter" or "Salon" cylinders. Conventional records can be played by slipping off the large mandrel to expose the normal sized mandrel. The gutta-percha reproducer was made by Charles Cahit, who supplied several small French manufacturers with "Le Cahit" reproducers and records. The reproducer is complete with its original box and is fitted with an extremely unusual 'spider' stylus holder copied from Bettini phonographs. The 12" diameter spun aluminum horn is supported by a very unusual front-mounted bracket. This machine is totally original and is a very scarce French cylinder phonograph, made in very small quantities.

The reproducer, shown with its original box, has a Bettini-like 'spider' stylus holder. The curved lead weight is to help keep the lightweight reproducer from skipping over the grooves (see picture at top of page). The original Le Cahit record box carries a picture of the reproducer.