Antique Edison Fireside Phonograph for 2 and 4 Minute Cylinders. USA, 1905

Gorgeous antique Edison Fireside phonograph for 2- and 4-minute cylinders, made in the USA in 1905 and in very good condition. One of the special features of this singular device is its ability to play two different types of cylinders. In order to change from one type to another, the user only has to push the button located at the left side of the box. Together with the phonograph, two 4-minute cylinders and one 2-minute cylinder are provided. The item is in very good condition and in fine working order. The golden decals painted on the box and the cover are not the originals. The phonograph works perfectly. In order to guarantee a good performance, the motor has been cleaned and tuned. It mounts an Edison model K reproducer; when the user pushes the side button, the reproducer turns and uses the right sapphire for each cylinder type. The box and the cover are made of solid oak wood with a lovely dark satin finish that provides it with character. The black enamel that covers the mechanism base plate shows some retouches but is overall well preserved. It is decorated with delicate blue and golden lines and bears the Thomas A. Edison trademark. It also preserves the metal plate with information about the company and the hand-engraved serial number. This gorgeous antique Edison Firesidde phonograph for 2- and 4-minute cylinders is the perfect piece for a great collection of old-time musical players. Measurements: Box: Width: 11.8 in / 29.5 cm. Height: 9.2 in / 15 cm. Depth: 6 in / 23 cm. Horn: Length: 22 in / 55 cm. Mouths Width: 12.4 in / 31 cm.Edison Phonographs History The phonograph was invented by Thomas Alva Edison in 1877. While working in some improvements for the telegraphs and telephones of those days, the famous North American inventor imagined a new method to record sounds in tinfoil-covered cylinders. Then he designed a machined with a mechanic motor which mounted two different needles: a recording one and a playing one. The first words ever recorded are part of the History: they were the first words of a popular rhyme, Mary had a little lamb. The inventor himself was astonished when he heard himself saying the words. The following year he founded the Edison Speaking Phonograph Company to sell his invention, but the phonograph was not a really popular item until some years later. Edison founded several companies during his life, among them the Edison Bell of London, and his own trademark, Thomas A. Edison.