Phonograph

Phonograph

Phonograph

Date: 1920-1925
Medium: Wood; oak
Classification: Decorative Arts
Object number: 1992.1.1
Label text:This oak wind-up "talking machine" or "disc player" is typical of the twenties time period, the first models having been introduced about 1915. This particular machine is a Pathe Table-Top model and was probably introduced in the 1920s. On-going research will clarify the precise date. The machine is in perfect working order. Originally, there was a textile backing to the grill of the speaker.
To be absolutely correct, the terms "talking machine" and "disc player" should be used to refer to this object. The term "phonograph" actually referred to the earlier model cylinder machines, as opposed to disc playing machines. Visitors may also refer to this machine as either a "Victrola" or a "Gramophone" These terms are actually brand names, however, and are not correctly applied when referring to models distributed by Pathe. If we were to invent a brand name for the Pathe machine, we might call it a "Pathephone".
The first electric talking machine came out in 1925. By the 1930's, people were no longer buying wind-up machines.
DescriptionOak wind-up table-top phonograph, Pathe model.
Not on display