Historical information

Thomas Edison invented the gramophone in 1877. It was used to play vinyl 78 (speed) records and was played by being 'wound up' by a lever on the side.

Significance

The Wallace family lived on a farm in the Kiewa Valley. They used the gramophone to play music for entertainment from circa 1918. When it was no longer being used the family stored it in their shed and then passed it on to KVHS in 1995. KVHS stored the derelict Edison gramophone from 1995 until 2025 when it was passed on to the Mt Beauty Men's Shed. Their members decided to restore it and were then able to return it KVHS in working order in May 2026.

Physical description

Edison 1918 phonograph Diamond disc Mahogany wood
Mahogany wood with turntable at the top and cupboards below. The door to the cupboard opens to the side and is used for storing records.The turntable has a diamond disc

Inscriptions & markings

On the player on a circular disc is the inscription: "The Model 250 / Diamond Disc / Phonograph is the / Official Laboratory/ Model Thos A Edison"
Inscription on black rectangular disc: Edison Disc Phonograph Model No. C250 manufactured under the patents of Thomas A. Edison, and others .... Serial number SM49344 . (Note: This is what identifies it as 1918.)