The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

“Rewrite the books”

For almost 20 years I knew of the existence of an Edison clockwork Home phonograph sitting in a small Edison phonograph collection in Germany.
A few weeks ago the collector called me; He had decided that the time was right to find a new home for his gems. Needles to say that I was thrilled to
be able to buy some great Edison machines.

Now I want to share this “discovery” with all of you.
I took a number of pictures to show all details of this early machine with serial number as low as 52. Probably the earliest one known.

You can find a few articles on these first model Home Phonographs with a clockwork motor.

The Edison Cylinder Phonographs 1877-1929 by George L. Frow : Page 40-41
Discovering Antique Phonographs 1877-1929 by Timothy C. Fabrizio & George F. Paul
The Soundbox September 2006 By George F. Paul

Enjoy the pictures,
Regards,
Guido

For all your questions you can email me at : [email protected]

I don't have the Compendium at hand right now; has this particular machine been documented prior to this? It's recognizable as a Home but still looks a bit like an old Spring Motor--and the drawer at bottom is reminiscent of even the Class M. Everything about this looks different.

Really nice to see some good up close photos of an 1896 home!

VanEpsFan1914 wrote: Thu Nov 11, 2021 11:45 am Everything about this looks different.

Indeed it does, but everything looks absolutely right. This is the very first incarnation of the Home, using a motor that literally came from a clockmaker. It was grossly underpowered. Not many were sold, and some of those were subsequently upgraded at the factory to the much superior motor. To my knowledge, this is only the third (or possibly fourth -- there's some confusion about one) clockwork Home known, and the lowest serial number. It's an unbelievable find and I expect fierce competition if it goes up for auction.

That is one very beautiful machine! And I am very much a Victor guy. What a great find.

The only thing that looks a little different here is the style of half-nut (feed), which is the more traditional tensioner in this photo.

According to PHP, the first publicity about this early model appeared in the Electrical Review of April 1896. There is even an illustration in the journal (sans decal). It states that the cabinet is 15-½" long.

One would want to know if there is any identification on the side of the crank handle as some have a riveted "plate" with either U.S. Phonograph or National Phonograph; likewise on the first 'Spring Motor' Models.

These primeval Homes used the on-off switch as the speed-modifier as well. At some point, a little spring-clip was added to make things simpler.

Allen

AllenKoe wrote: Thu Nov 11, 2021 2:22 pm The only thing that looks a little different here is the style of half-nut (feed), which is the more traditional tensioner in this photo.
Allen

Another thing about the carriage is it seems to be missing the roller wheel on the carriage or even the casting where it would have been installed.
Chuck

Post a video of it playing! That would be great!

Simply fabulous!

Jerry B.

Thank you for sharing.
Blain