Rectangular brown gray recorder seen from above comprised of metal with a slight shine. The top has a rounded edge. Wrapping around the top edge at right, a square shaped speaker. The speaker is formed with thin metal pieces arranged in a grid; the vertical pieces are overlaid on the horizontal. On the recorder face at top left; a “pill-shaped” oval with a speaker in the left half, a vertical on/off switch at center, and the words “Thomas A. Edison” in script on the right. A horizontal silver metal panel about one fifth the width of the recorder is at bottom. Above the metal panel the words: “EDISON”; “VOICEWRITER” are written. The left side of the silver panel has an additional tab that extends into the gray section above where a raised silver metal circle fills this area. On this raised circle is a circular white button with the words Depress to Record – Left to Playback circling a red dot. On the right a cutout in a stretched T shape on its side; white is seen below with the word “Edison” at the far edge. Below are three sqaure tabs in black and red with white text: “B”, “L”, and “C”. A microphone is attached at the top with a long gray cord. The cord is looped at top and extends toward the front of the recorder where the microphone lays flat. The microphone flares out from bottom and has a rounded top. A silver mesh fills the top and a tan colored rectangular button fills the handle. Three maroon discs with white writing are also featured. Half of a disc extends from underneath the right of the recorder. Two discs are laid in front overlapping; the top record has the words “Edison Diamond Disc, Made in the U.S.A.”.

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See more objects with the tag communication, electronic, recording, microphone, disk, cord, sound.

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Object Timeline

1953	Work on this object began.
1970	We photographed this object.
1996	We acquired this object.
2014	We photographed this object.
2015	We photographed this object.
2018	We exhibited this object.
2024	You found it!

Edison Voicewriter Dictating Machine Dictating Machine

This is a dictating machine. It was designed by Carl Otto and manufactured by Thomas A. Edison Inc.. It is dated 1953 and we acquired it in 1996. Its medium is aluminum, plastic. It is a part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts department.

Until the middle years of the twentieth century, most dictating machines were cumbersome pieces of furniture with a fixed location in the office. Technical innovations permitted the design of smaller and lighter portable units. The Edison Voicewriter made use of plastic disks onto which sound was recorded. Such systems were replaced entirely by tape-based recording technology by the 1960s.

This object was donated by Unknown donor: found in Collection. It is credited Gift of Unknown Donor.

RCA Victor Special Phonograph Phonograph

RCA Victor Special Phonograph Phonograph
aluminum, chromium-plated steel, metal, plastic, felt, leather, velvet.
Gift of George R. Kravis II.
2016-5-11

Panasonic RR-980 Microcassette Dictation Machine, Microphone

Panasonic RR-980 Microcassette Dictation Machine, Microphone
plastic housing.
Gift of Arango Design Foundation.
1994-31-94-a,b

Philips Pocket Memo 396 Executive Dictation System Tape Cassette

Philips Pocket Memo 396 Executive Dictation System Tape Cassette
plastic housing.
Gift of Philips Dictation Systems USA.
1995-98-1-a,b

Its dimensions are

H x W x D (approx.): 5.4 x 25 x 30.5 cm (2 1/8 in. x 9 13/16 in. x 12 in.)

Cite this object as

Edison Voicewriter Dictating Machine Dictating Machine; Designed by Carl Otto (American, 1911 - 1983); Manufactured by Thomas A. Edison Inc.; USA; aluminum, plastic; H x W x D (approx.): 5.4 x 25 x 30.5 cm (2 1/8 in. x 9 13/16 in. x 12 in.); Gift of Unknown Donor; 1996-12-1-a/o

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition Bob Greenberg Selects.

Short URL http://cprhw.tt/o/2DAQk/
Accession Number 1996-12-1-a/o
Object ID 18652819