This is an antique wax cylinder Dictaphone Type A, Model 12 from the early 1920s. It was used for recording speech onto wax cylinders for later transcription, a technology developed from Thomas Edison's phonograph and Alexander Graham Bell's graphophone.

Historical Context

Era:

This specific model was common in the 1920s.

Company History:

The name "Dictaphone" was trademarked in 1907 by the Columbia Graphophone Company, a successor to Alexander Graham Bell's laboratory efforts. Dictaphone was later spun off into a separate company in 1923 under the leadership of Charles K. Woodbridge.

The patent number for this Dictaphone was filed on May 29, 1924 by Mr . Woodbridge.

Business Revolution:

It became a staple in offices during the early 1920s and was  part of a business efficiency revolution that allowed professionals to record their thoughts or correspondence for later transcription, separating the composition of documents from their typing, significantly impacting industrial efficiency.

Key Features and Functionality

Recording Method:

It records sound by etching vibrations onto a rotating wax cylinder.

Acoustic Design:

It uses an electric motor to turn the cylinder, but the recording process is purely acoustic.

Device Manufacturer:

The Dictaphone Corporation (formerly part of Columbia Graphophone Co.).

Key Components

Mouthpiece:

The curved horn into which the user speaks.

Recording Medium:

It uses a wax cylinder to store audio.

Flexible Hose:

The metallic coiled tube connects the mouthpiece to the recording head.

***PLEASE REVIEW PHOTOS TO DETERMINE OVERALL CONDITION OF THE DICTAPHONE***