Edison Water Motor Phonograph, circa 1890

Summary

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

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