Description:

Can anyone tell me what this is called? This picture was taken prior to 1897. The device on the table has a handle, presumably for winding it up. The picture is taken out in a wooded area, so there was no electricity (if electricity existed at that time). There are multiple earphone sets leading from it. The cover is under the table. The suitcase must have been used to carry all of the earphones. The device does not look like it has a record playing on it. This has been a mystery in our family for many years. Unfortunately I cannot give you any other views.

Comments:

jacksbackw on May 09, 2008 at 10:41 AM

My guess is that this is an Edison Cylinder Machine. Here is a page that describes it http://www.gracyk.com/cylindermachine.shtml Of particular interest is this "...machines that could also be equipped with listening tubes like a stethoscope"