Edison 'Fireside' phonograph

This early version of a home sound system dates from 1909. A winding crank handle is turned to start the motor, which then rotates a drum fitted with a wax cylinder to produce sound through the horn.

Thomas Edison first developed the phonograph in 1877. Later improvements replaced the original tin foil used on the cylinder with wax, and a floating stylus was used to incise the cylinder instead of a rigid needle. The phonograph is said to have been Edison's favourite invention.

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