Name/Title
Kurtzmann Glass Phonograph (USA, ca. 1919–1920)Entry/Object ID
292Description
A visionary design of glass and electricity – the first high-tech phonograph in furniture form
This extraordinary device was designed and marketed by the Kurtzmann Piano Company in Buffalo, New York. It is one of the earliest electric phonographs featuring a turntable and baseplate entirely made of glass – a true rarity in the history of sound reproduction.
Technical and Design Innovations
Glass Turntable & Glass Motorboard:
The construction, patented in 1918, used a massive glass plate as the base for the motor, tonearm, and platter. This material choice was not only visually spectacular but also brought acoustic benefits: surface noise such as scratching was significantly reduced, resulting in a clearer and fuller sound.
Electric Drive:
A suspended electric motor ensured smooth playback – revolutionary at a time when most phonographs were still spring-driven.
Integrated Lamp:
The same electric power also supplied a small Art Nouveau–style lamp mounted on the top, adding to the device's elegant appearance.
Art Deco Cabinet:
The cabinet design resembles a luxurious piece of Art Deco furniture rather than a traditional phonograph – featuring dark wood, brass fittings, and glass panels. It was deliberately styled to fit seamlessly into an upscale home environment.
Patent Information
The corresponding U.S. Patent No. 1,447,215 was filed by Louis S. Kurtzmann on October 30, 1918 and granted on March 6, 1923. The patent emphasizes the acoustic advantages of glass construction, claiming a clearer tone and reduced mechanical noise. Kurtzmann believed that using glass in phonograph design represented a significant leap in sound fidelity
Significance and Rarity
Very few devices of this type have survived to the present day. The model on display at the Edisonium in Mariazell is one of the rare remaining examples – fully functional and featuring its original glass turntable, fittings, and electric components.
