Cylinder Phonograph: Edison Ambelora Model 30

1918, U.S.A.

In 1877, the American inventor Thomas Edison unveiled one of his most original inventions: the tinfoil phonograph. This device employed a style-tipped transmitter that made impressions on a copper cylinder wrapped in tinfoil, to record and reproduce sound.

This Cylinder Phonograph: Edison Ambelora Model 30 with a built-in horn, manufactured in 1919 by Edison, Co. was designed to be used exclusively with cylinder records, which were capable of performances of up to four minutes. Edison’s standard cylinder record had a diameter of 2.25 inches, a length of four inches, and a performance time of two minutes; however, with his Blue Ambelor records, playing time was increased to four minutes. This model was the first to use needle dials.