Tinfoil Phonograph, 1878

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Artifact Overview

In 1877, Thomas Edison invented the phonograph, a machine for recording and playing back sound that was based on earlier work with telegraphs and telephones. This phonograph, which recorded recitation or music onto strips of tin foil, was manufactured for Edison by Sigmund Bergmann, a former employee. This "Concert" sized phonograph was meant for demonstrations of the astonishing new possibilities of recorded sound.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Cylinder phonograph (Phonograph)

Date Made

1878

Creators

Place of Creation

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

29.2002.73

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Thomas A. Edison.

Material

Wood (Plant material)
Cast iron
Brass (Alloy)
Tin (Metal)

Dimensions

Height: 12.313 in
Width: 31.25 in
Length: 11.938 in
Diameter: 11.75 in (Flywheel)
Diameter: 5.55 in (Mandrel- approximate)

Inscriptions

MANUFACTURED BY / S. BERGMANN & CO. / NO. 104 WOOSTER ST. / N.Y. EXPERIMENTAL APPARATUS / FOR ILLUSTRATING THE PRINCIPLE OF / EDISON'S SPEAKING PHONOGRAPH / PAT. FEB. 19TH 1878 / NO. 144
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