THIS ITEM IS SOLD
EDISON CLASS "M" ELECTRIC PHONOGRAPH
(Read the fascinating historical saga of this ancient artifact, click here to delve deeper.)
The Class "M" was the first successfully marketed Phonograph. For a period of ten years, since its invention in 1877, the Edison Phonograph had been put aside by its inventor and left an undeveloped novelty -- but one with a lot of potential. During those years, a formidable rival to Edison Phonograph began to take shape in the Graphophone. To avoid having the Graphophone "eat his lunch," Edison initiated a burst of creative activity that led, in 1888, to the "Improved" and, in 1889, to the "Perfected" or Class "M" electric Phonograph.
Yes, this instrument is powered by a (very weighty) 120-year-old electric motor, but IT STILL FUNCTIONS WELL TODAY.
Note the very low serial number. Eventually, (over the next 30 years) Edison Phonographs would be manufactured in the millions.
The ID plate of the North American Phonograph Co. (for further details on this firm, click the historical link at the top of this page).
The vertical governor (which is a "shunt resistance" or electrical governor rather than a friction governor) is one of the most iconic aspects of the design.
The plate showing the model designation.
Edison made a policy of encouraging the continued use and effectiveness of his Phonographs, no matter how early. The fact that this machine still plays today demonstrates how the concept of keeping Edison Phonographs running was based on a solid footing. At some point, the owner of this particular Class M "up-dated" the reproducer carriage, by deftly removing the little "side arm" that was thought to be necessary to "fine tune" the position of the reproducer or recorder. This arm was subsequently shown to be unnecessary, so the owner removed it. At present, the early "Automatic" reproducer is being held in place by an original, though slightly later-style Edison clip.
The mahogany cabinet is a historically accurate replica -- but not just a "home handyman special" -- a professionally made exact copy -- right down to the delicate finger joints that are also routed to soften the lines of the corners. This is the highest quality work and virtually indistinguishable from the original.
The "accessory drawer" with white porcelain knob, precisely faithful to the original.
We are offering THREE options for purchasing this instrument. Experience has shown that many collectors do not care to run their Class M instruments, they prefer to display them only. And many collectors do not desire a horn for them, either. Therefore we propose:
1. Edison Class M Phonograph, (NY State residents must add tax), $15,000., plus s/h.
2. Very early "flared bell" horn from the 1890s, paint "as found", not perfect, but horn is structurally sound, $450. (horn only, horn not for sale except connected with the machine).
3. Modern battery, as illustrated below, to run the Class M, with hook-up wires, $35.
Contact: phonotim@gmail.com
Telephone: 585-244-5546
US Post: phonophan
PO Box 747
Henrietta, NY 14467 USA