Odd phonograph- any more information

Q&A about Talking Machines from the pre-electronic era (approx. 1885-1928).



Topic author
Mike M

Odd phonograph- any more information

by Mike M » Wed Aug 20, 2008 5:07 pm

Hi Everyone-

I had a quick question. I remember buying a very old wax cylinder phonograph at a tag sale many years ago (12 years maybe) that I was hoping to get more information about. I'm not sure where it is now (somewhere in my old house's garage possibly), but I do remember a few distinguishing characteristics about it.

First, it was large. It sized from the floor up to my stomach- stood by itself.
Secondly, it was made of a metal, if I remember correctly. Had four legs and the entire cabinet was some sort of metallic material.
Thirdly, it had the edison company plaque on the inside of it, connecting it to the edison company. It was in poor condition, but it worked still (played the wax recordings it came with.)

After looking EVERYWHERE online, I could find no pictures or documentation of a metal cabinet wax cylinder edison phonograph.

Does such a thing exist? Where could I learn more about it? Is it worth tracking down in my old house?

Any information would be great! Also- if you wish, I might be able to provide more information about it, feel free to email me at Ointus@gmail.com

Thanks,

-Mike


Topic author
guest

Re: Odd phonograph- any more information

by guest » Wed Aug 20, 2008 5:52 pm

Hello Mike,
sounds as if it could be an old office dictaphone type machine,rather than a 'music machine'


Joe_DS
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Re: Odd phonograph- any more information

by Joe_DS » Wed Aug 20, 2008 7:34 pm

Agree. It's probably an office (dictating) model.

For additional information, SEE: http://www.earlyofficemuseum.com/dictating_machines.htm

The only other metal cabinet model I'm aware of--other than the Gem--is the rare Edison School Model:

Image
FROM -- http://members.aol.com/rondeau7/school.htm


Topic author
Mike M

Re: Odd phonograph- any more information

by Mike M » Wed Aug 20, 2008 8:01 pm

Thats it! An ediphone- and I found the exact kind on Ebay-

http://cgi.ebay.com/ANTIQUE-EDISON-PROT ... 286.c0.m14

thank you all for the help. I remember the fun hours of fooling aorund with it when I was 10, now I'll have to dig it back up to see it again.

Thanks, Mike

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