Name/Title
Roneophone – French Dictation Machine with its original carrying caseEntry/Object ID
174Description
French Dictation Machine with Wax Disc
Pathé & Roneo, Paris – c. 1910–1914
A rare French office dictation machine in a metal housing, here preserved complete with its original carrying case and foot control.
Historical Background
The Roneophone was the result of a collaboration between the renowned Pathé‑Frères in Paris – then a market leader in sound recording equipment – and the Anglo‑French Roneo Company, specialists in office machinery. Their goal was to create a reliable, reusable dictation device for business and government applications.
Earlier systems, such as the Edison Business Phonograph, used wax cylinders. In contrast, the Roneophone employed a thick wax disc, allowing for a more compact design and easier handling in everyday office work.
How It Works
Recording: Dictation was made through a speaking tube with trumpet connected to the right‑hand side of the unit, linked directly to the recording diaphragm.
Playback: For checking or transcription, a set of earphones was plugged into the left‑hand side, connected to the playback diaphragm.
Erasing Function: After use, the wax disc could be planed smooth with an integrated cutting knife. This removed the top wax layer and erased the recording. Each reuse slightly reduced the disc’s thickness.
Drive: A spring motor powered the turntable at a steady speed.
Control: A foot pedal allowed the operator to start and stop recording or playback without taking their hands off the desk.
Applications
The Roneophone was used in law offices, government departments, banks, and large industrial enterprises. It served for dictating letters, contracts, and reports, which were then typed in final form by stenographers or clerical staff.
Special Features of This Example
Metal‑cased version for increased durability.
Complete with original carrying case and foot control.
Full accessory set including speaking tube, earphones, and connection cables.
Historical Significance
The Roneophone stands as a prime example of the transition from pure sound recording technology to office and business use. It combined Pathé’s expertise in audio engineering with Roneo’s experience in office equipment manufacturing, making it one of the early dedicated business dictation machines of the pre‑World War I era.
