Name/Title
Phonograph U-S „Banner“Entry/Object ID
206Description
U‑S Phonograph Company (Cleveland, Ohio, ca. 1909–1913)
Independent manufacturer of celluloid cylinders and phonographs – technically unique and highly innovative
The U‑S Phonograph Company (not to be confused with “US” – the company deliberately used a hyphen) was founded in 1909 in Cleveland, Ohio, evolving from the Cleveland Phonograph Record Company. It specialized in the production of celluloid cylinders under the brand name U‑S Everlasting Records and marketed its own phonograph models such as the Banner, Opera, Grand, and Royal. These machines stood out both technically and visually from competing models by Edison or Columbia.
Key Features of U‑S Phonographs
Innovative “Flexarm” Tonearm
Instead of a rigid tonearm, U‑S developed a flexible "Flexarm" system. It utilized two parallel feed screws for 2-minute and 4-minute cylinders, combined with a sliding reproducer that could shift position accordingly – a truly unique mechanical solution.
Celluloid Cylinders Instead of Wax
U‑S exclusively used celluloid for its cylinders. These were far more durable, unbreakable, and long-lasting than traditional wax. Ideal for daily use, they allowed up to 10,000 plays without significant wear.
Diverse Models and Strategic Partnerships
From the compact Junior model to the full-sized Opera machine, U‑S offered a broad range of phonographs. Some were also distributed under Lakeside labels by the Montgomery Ward mail-order company – indicating strategic marketing partnerships.
Technical and Historical Importance
A Late Challenger to Edison
U‑S was one of the last companies to directly challenge Edison in the cylinder market, offering a more durable recording medium and inventive mechanical designs.
Limited Production, High Rarity
Production numbers were relatively low – likely only a few thousand units per model. The cylinder catalog was also modest despite many announced titles. Today, both U‑S phonographs and original recordings are considered very rare and highly collectible.
Short Lifespan
The company only operated for a few years. By 1913, it ceased business – just as disc records began to dominate and many other cylinder manufacturers exited the market.
Significance in the Edisonium Exhibition
The U‑S Phonograph Company represents a brief yet fascinating chapter in the history of sound reproduction. Its products reflect a high level of technical ingenuity and distinct design. The use of celluloid and flexible mechanisms was ahead of its time. The U‑S phonograph on display at the Edisonium vividly illustrates how diverse and experimental the early phonograph market truly was – just before the disc record took over the world.
