Edison Kinetoscope, circa 1894
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In 1894, Thomas Edison held the first commercial film exhibition using ten Kinetoscopes like this. "Peepshow parlors" became popular, where galleries of Kinetoscopes featured 15-second films produced at the "Black Maria" studio. For a nickel, viewers could peer through the eyepiece to see silent moving images of dancers, boxers, and novelty acts. Over 900 Kinetoscopes were sold between 1894 and 1895.
In 1894, Thomas Edison held the first commercial film exhibition using ten Kinetoscopes like this. "Peepshow parlors" became popular, where galleries of Kinetoscopes featured 15-second films produced at the "Black Maria" studio. For a nickel, viewers could peer through the eyepiece to see silent moving images of dancers, boxers, and novelty acts. Over 900 Kinetoscopes were sold between 1894 and 1895.
Artifact
Kinetoscope
Date Made
circa 1894
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
2014.0.17.153
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Iron alloy
Oak (Wood)
Dimensions
Height: 45 in (missing top component)
Width: 18 in
Length: 29.25 in
Inscriptions
EDISON KINETOSCOPE
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