Phonograph
Edison
Category
Musical instruments, devices and recordings
Date
circa 1905
Materials
Wood, metal and leather
Measurements
Phonograph -253 mm (width); 220 mm (height); 197 mm (depth), Horn -230 mm (height)
Place of origin
Orange
Order this imageCollection
Sudbury Hall Museum of Childhood, Derbyshire
NT 662646
Summary
An Edison Gem phonograph made of black and silver coloured metal with gold painted decoration standing on a wooden 'base'. The wooden lid, shaped like a half barrel with a turned wooden handle on top, slips over the phonograph and its handle, and is secured by a screw on each side. The silver coloured metal horn is dented. The metal mechanism for playing cylinder records is driven by a leather belt. A black painted arm, to hold the stylus, pivots on a silver coloured metal bar, fixed behind the cylinder, and has provision for the horn to be attached. A black painted lever at the front starts and stops the cylinder revolving. All this passes through or is fixed to a cast iron shaped base plate which is fixed to the top of a wooden plinth. A metal plate fixed to the base names it as an Edison Gem phonograph, serial number ‘278469’ and gives details of patents and place of manufacture. An Edison trade mark is painted in gold on an upright section on top of the base plate. The word ‘GEM’ appears in gold coloured lettering on the side. The winding handle, of metal and turned wood, protrudes at the right side of the metal base plate. Attached to the wooden plinth is a cream coloured label which gives sale details. Total number of items is 4.
Marks and inscriptions
Upright section of base plate: TRADE/ Thomas A Edison/ MARK
Makers and roles
Edison , maker