Edison Water Motor Phonograph, circa 1890
Add to SetSummary
Early Edison phonographs were powered by electric motors or batteries, but electricity was not available to those outside of cities and large towns, and battery cells were cumbersome. Thomas Edison developed alternative power sources for his phonographs, offering treadle-driven and water-powered machines. This water motor model employed a small turbine that could be connected to a water faucet by a flexible hose.
Early Edison phonographs were powered by electric motors or batteries, but electricity was not available to those outside of cities and large towns, and battery cells were cumbersome. Thomas Edison developed alternative power sources for his phonographs, offering treadle-driven and water-powered machines. This water motor model employed a small turbine that could be connected to a water faucet by a flexible hose.
Artifact
Phonograph
Date Made
circa 1890
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
00.4.2244
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Cast iron
Steel (Alloy)
Wood (Plant material)
Dimensions
Height: 10 in
Width: 14 in
Length: 10 in
Inscriptions
NORTH AMERICAN / PHONOGRAPH CO / NEW YORK / TRADE / THOMAS A. EDISON / MARK