Edison speaking phonograph
Datedated 1880
Inventory Number8500
ClassificationPhonograph
Subject
Maker
S. Bergmann & Company
1870 - 1881
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensions18.4 x 25.8 x 21.9 cm (7 1/4 x 10 3/16 x 8 5/8 in.)
Material
Accessoriesfoil on cylinder; manuals in envelope under #850
DescriptionAn Edison speaking phonograph, an experimental apparatus for demonstrating the principles of a speaking phonograph.
The device consists of a rectangular metal base, painted black with decorative gold pinstripe accents, supported on four shaped corner feet. Two vertical supports on either side of the base support a horizontal shaft, threaded at one end, connected to a wooden-handled crank. A cylindrical wheel, wrapped in a strip of tin foil recording medium, is mounted on the shaft. A vertical support, decorated with a gold leaf design, holds a transmitter in position over the cylinder. When the hand crank is turned, the threaded shaft will advance horizontally and the cylindrical wheel will pass below the transmitter.
The transmitter consists of metal disk attached to the vertical pedestal, which supports a hard rubber dish-shaped element with a circular opening in the base through which a diaphragm may be seen.
Printed on base: "Experimental Apparatus for Illustrating the Principle of EDISONS [sic] SPEAKING PHONOGRAPH / -- Pat. Feb. 19th 1878 -- / No. 8";
Hand scratched on the transmitter is, "VIII"; large bolts for transmitter support are each marked, "B."
The device consists of a rectangular metal base, painted black with decorative gold pinstripe accents, supported on four shaped corner feet. Two vertical supports on either side of the base support a horizontal shaft, threaded at one end, connected to a wooden-handled crank. A cylindrical wheel, wrapped in a strip of tin foil recording medium, is mounted on the shaft. A vertical support, decorated with a gold leaf design, holds a transmitter in position over the cylinder. When the hand crank is turned, the threaded shaft will advance horizontally and the cylindrical wheel will pass below the transmitter.
The transmitter consists of metal disk attached to the vertical pedestal, which supports a hard rubber dish-shaped element with a circular opening in the base through which a diaphragm may be seen.
Printed on base: "Experimental Apparatus for Illustrating the Principle of EDISONS [sic] SPEAKING PHONOGRAPH / -- Pat. Feb. 19th 1878 -- / No. 8";
Hand scratched on the transmitter is, "VIII"; large bolts for transmitter support are each marked, "B."
Signedsigned on base: Experimental Apparatus for Illustrating the Principle of EDISONS [sic] SPEAKING PHONOGRAPH
Inscribedprinted on base: Experimental Apparatus / for Illustrating the Principle of / EDISONS [sic] SPEAKING PHONOGRAPH / -- Pat. Feb. 19th 1878 -- / No. 8;
scratched on transmitter: VIII;
bolts on transmitter support each marked: B
Curatorial Remarksfoil on cylinder; manuals in envelope under #8501, shelf 1D1d
NOTE: Maker address (P.O. Box initially listed) is incorrect, and box number was removed.
FunctionDevice for demonstration of the recording and reproduction of sound
American Speaking Telephone Company
Date: circa 1878
Object number: 8041
National Phonograph Company
Date: dated 1904
Accessories: nickel-plated wind-up key
Object number: 8503
Thomas Alva Edison
Date: circa 1878
Accessories: telephone receiver (8040a)
Object number: 8040b
American
Date: mid 19th-late 19th Century
Object number: 1998-1-0452
American
Date: circa 1878
Accessories: tinfoil (8501b); spare diaphragm made by David Osier is on file
Object number: 8501a
