The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

“On This Day in the History of Recorded Sound…”

June 20, 1893: Thomas A. Edison was granted a U.S. patent (No.499,879) for what was being marketed as the Class M Phonograph. This heavy, battery-powered machine was the only practical talking machine from the late 1880s until September 1895.

June 20, 1916: Eugene Kieffer was granted U.S. Design Patent No.49,215 for “Cabinet for Talking Machines.” This would become the second style cabinet for the Victrola IX.

#antiquephonographsociety #phonograph #gramophone #antique

What a battleship design was the Class M! They are virtually indestructible. I've restored ones that were subjected to the worst of environmental conditions. Most people would have taken one look at them and abandoned the thought of bringing them back to life. Probably the worst one had been burnt to a crisp in a fire. Had to rewind the motor on that one.