Established in 1885, W.H. Banfield & Sons Ltd., 370–386 Pape Avenue, Toronto entered the phonograph business around 1919, following its major wartime manufacturing operation. The Globe, November 29, 1919, reported that Banfield, having "a big munitions plant," was now "working at top speed on phonograph motors and phonographs." The company manufactured exceptionally high-grade phonograph motors or individual parts.

Banfield also manufactured the Stewart phonograph under contract at its Pape Avenue plant which it sold locally and exported to the United States. Subsequently, the company developed a substantial line of phonograph components. By 1921–23 it was making phonograph motors, tone arms, sound boxes/reproducers and other phonograph equipment.

Talking Machine World, January 15, 1923, p. 107: "Arrangements have just been made between the Orotone Co., of Chicago, and W. H. Banfield & Son, of Toronto, whereby the latter become Canadian and foreign representatives for the Orotone Co. products. The arrangements involve the manufacture of these products by the Banfield concern, under a special agreement. Banfield & Son also manufacture a line of motors, tone arms and sound boxes, but have decided to adopt the Orotone product. Orotone will now be given first-class representation throughout Canada and foreign countries, and all of this business will be looked after from the Toronto headquarters."

Talking Machine World, May 1925, p. 132: "A new Canadian-made portable phonograph, to be known as the "Canadian" and to retail at $30 has just been placed on the market by W.H. Banfield & Sons, Ltd., Toronto."

By 1927 Banfield produced equipment for several brands of talking machines, especially Alethophonic.

---

Banfield Building in Toronto.



Banfield letterhead.



Banfield motor.



Talking Machine World, December 15, 1922, p. 101.