The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I was going through old photos in an antique shop today and came across this one:
It caught my attention originally because I thought at first glance that the clock seen on the back wall was a horn of some sort. When looking closer at everything, it appears that there is a Class M sitting in the middle of the room on a small table. Here it is blown up with contrast adjusted a bit:
Although it's not crystal clear, this appears to be a Class M. After looking at it while adjusting the brightness, contrast, etc. I think I can make out listening tubes hanging over the end of the machine, possibly the conical end of the speaking tube laying behind the machine and what might be the battery on the shelf of the table.

I thought I would share the photo here to see what others think. There isn't a name or date anywhere on the photo but using the company name on the back, it dates no later than 1892. Thoughts on the machine?

Definitely looks like a North American-era Class M. Great find!!

Neat photo Sonny. I'm not sure this looks any better.

adjusted levels in photoshop

Looks like the right silhouette, and that appears to be a white porcelain knob on the front, in the right place...


The round mask on the photo makes me wonder if this was taken with the first generation Kodak roll-film camera...

Here's my attempt in enhancement. The room is nice too.

Thanks for the help with the adjustments. I had more time to adjust the photo thoroughly and after doing so, think this is a "Perfected Phonograph" with a spectacle device. Here is what I ended up with after adjusting the photo.
Again, not crystal clear but visibly shows the recorder/reproducer as well as what looks like the protruding pivot point between the two.

"The round mask on the photo makes me wonder if this was taken with the first generation Kodak roll-film camera..."

Good eye, this was taken with a Kodak camera. The back of the photo says it was "Made With A Kodak Camera Manufactured By The Eastman Dry Plate & Film Co." In 1889 a corporation was formed and the name changed to "The Eastman Company". However, the old name remained on the back of their photographs for awhile ultimately changing to the Eastman Kodak Company in 1892. This dates my photo to no later than 1892.
I remember reading about the records that were kept, (and are still available) regarding tinfoil phonographs. The records consisted of the names of people who purchased tinfoil machines, the price paid as well as where they were from, IIRC. Does anyone know of such records existing for the early North American machines? Being that they were leased originally I would think some sort of records were kept. I ask because I know the house in which this photo was taken was located in Wilkes Barre, PA. I think it would be interesting to track down who the owner was, when it was purchased, etc. and may be able to do so by searching the records if there are any.

Here is the house:


Thanks everyone for the input and help. It's always appreciated.

May be slightly better (or worse!) - just the blue channel of the image... Cheers,
David.

Interesting hobby you have. These photos are amazing in what they can tell you about people 120 years ago, and what they prized.

I know the Class M's are large but the lady behind it is almost child sized by today's standards.

Great find! The image reminds me to an impressionistic painting.

I once bought a share of the North American Phonograph Co., issued in 1890, together with contemporary family photos and images of the house. Unfortunately, no phonograph was pictured.