1897 Edison Home Phonograph With Original Listening Rail, Standard Speaker, Etc. * Near Mint Condition
$5,500.00
Ships Worldwide.
Early Home Phonograph manufactured in the summer of 1897, when Edison was still making adjustments and design changes to what would become known as the “Suitcase Home.”
This example has a serial number in the 1400’s, an Edison Standard Speaker (combination reproducer and recorder), a lift lever support cast into the upper deck, a brass mandrel, brass governor weights, and an early badged crank.
Condition is outstanding, close to mint, and the phonograph comes with an original 2-section listening rail. Each section has 3 ports. The ports in front have listening tubes; the ports on the side section are capped with rubber and cork that likely dates to when the rail was manufactured.
Though only three sets of tubes are connected to the rail, all five sets of tubes that came with the phonograph are included. The cork and rubber caps on the side are fragile, however, and — if removed — will likely break. It would probably be wisest to leave them in place.
The brown flex connector that couples the reproducer to the rail has been replaced, but it’s as supple as the original fabric tubing.
The phonograph rail has undergone no restoration and has no repairs, no touch-ups, no issues.
The phonograph has glossy original enamel on the bedplate and prominent pin-striping everywhere. The cabinet finish is original, and the original lid decal — like the rest of the phonograph — is nearly perfect. Both rail sections are in excellent condition, with secure soldering and original thumbscrews that can be tightened and loosened easily.
The phonograph is in good working order.
This is an exceptional Home Phonograph in every respect and its new owner will be delighted.
SOLD
