Name/Title
Advertising Poster “The Edison Phonograph” Advertising Poster, National Phonograph CompanyEntry/Object ID
397Description
National Phonograph Company, Orange (New Jersey), ca. 1899/1900
Historical Background
This colorful advertising poster promotes the Edison Home Phonograph – one of the most successful Edison models around 1900. It shows an elegant demonstrator on stage presenting the new invention to a large audience. With the slogan “Have you heard it?” the National Phonograph Company highlighted the sensational new possibility of reproducing music and speech mechanically at any time.
At the lower left, the imprint reads: “National Phonograph Company, Orange, N.J., U.S.A.; N.Y. Office, 83 Chambers Street; Chicago Office, 144 Wabash Avenue.” This refers to the official sales offices and documents the growing presence of Edison’s company in the United States.
Technology and Features
Lithographic advertising poster, printed in multiple colors.
Depiction of an Edison Home Phonograph with large horn.
Detailed illustration of stage and audience – a reminder that the phonograph was not only used in private homes but also for public demonstrations and entertainment in halls.
Rarity and Significance
The design is considered one of the most iconic Edison phonograph posters and is mentioned in numerous standard works on phonograph history. Since advertising posters of this type were originally meant as disposable promotional material, very few examples have survived. The poster on display at the Edisonium is therefore a rare witness to advertising culture around 1900 and an impressive document of the early mass marketing of Edison’s “talking machines.”
