Skip to Content

Search

Entire Collection

Edison Phonograph Disc

Specifications

Edison Phonograph Disc

Category

Communication

Classification

CHENHALL - Tools & Equipment for Communication - Sound Communication T&E - Sound Communication Media - Record, Phonograph

Object Origin
Manufacturer:

Thomas A. Edison, Inc.

Date Manufactured:

1911 -1921

Physical Characteristics

Object Description: Flat circular black disc with a small hole in the center. Text is engraved on the center on both sides with a portrait of Edison.

Marks: Front: "Mother Machree / (C. Olcott⁠—E. R. Ball) / Tenor with orchestra / WALTER VAN BRUNT / A PRODUCT OF / THE EDISON / LABORATORIES / 80293-R / EDISON / TRADE MARK / Thomas A Edison / 3764-B-28 / 3764-B-" Back: "My Wild Irish Rose / (Chauncey Olcott) / Tenor with orchestra / WALTER VAN BRUNT / A PRODUCT OF / THE EDISON / LABORATORIES / 80293-L / EDISON / TRADE MARK / Thomas A Edison / 4168-B-1-1- / 4168-B-"

Measurements: Object:
    Depth: 0.25 in, Diameter: 9.625 in
    Weight: 0.412 lbs

Credit

Gift of Vince Granatelli, 2018.1.110

Display Status

Not On View

Edison Phonograph Disc

About: Edison Phonograph Disc

About: Edison Phonograph Disc

This Diamond Disc features two popular show tunes entitled "Mother Machree" from the play Barry of Ballymore (1911), and "My Wild Irish Rose" from the play A Romance of Athlone (1899). Both show tunes were written by the Irish American songwriter, stage actor, and singer Chauncey Olcott (1858 – 1932). As a songwriter, Olcott captured the mood of Irish American audiences by combining melodies from traditional Irish music with melancholy sentiments.


Between 1912 and 1929, Diamond Disc were manufactured by Thomas A. Edison, Inc. to be used with the Edison Disc Phonograph, or record player. Diamond Discs have a thickness of ¼ inch, a diameter of 10 inches, and weigh close to 1 pound. The name Diamond Disc originated from its association with the Edison Disc Phonograph, which featured a permanent conical stylus made of diamond. The stylus, or needle, is responsible for making contact with the disc and transmitting the vibrations produced by the record’s grooves. The diamond stylus made the phonograph unique, while other phonographs used steel styluses which required regular replacement, the Edison Disc Phonograph used a durable and long-lasting diamond stylus. However, this unique feature made Diamond Discs incompatible with phonographs that used steel styluses because a steel stylus had the potential to damage the Diamond Discs while providing low sound quality. Diamond Discs experienced commercial success during the mid-1910s and into the early 1920s.

Additional information

Copyright information

The objects and content presented on this website have been reviewed for the copyright status to the extent possible. However, if you believe that any material has been used improperly or without proper authorization, please contact us. We are committed to respecting intellectual property rights and will address any concerns promptly.

 

Have a question or comment about this object? Contact us.