Rare partly-printed DS, signed “Thos. A. Edison,” one page, 14.5 x 5.5, October 26, 1908. Stock certificate for 250 shares in Edison Phonograph Works issued to "Mrs. Thomas A. Edison," signed at the conclusion by Thomas Edison as president. The receipt attached to the left side indicates that it was issued to replace prior certificates. Gorgeously matted and framed with a portrait and biographical plaque to an overall size of 31.5 x 22.5. In fine condition.
In 1877, when Edison invented the phonograph, the first device for recording and playing back sound, he thought that its main use would be to record speech in business settings, which could then be played back and transcribed. Beginning to improve upon the phonograph and recording media in the 1880s, Edison pioneered the use of wax cylinders as a means of sound recording and reproduction. Edison's phonograph would eventually be adopted primarily for entertainment purposes, bringing music into millions of American households. As a stock certificate for the Edison Phonograph Works issued to his wife Mina, this is an outstanding and historic piece of history. It is just the second signed example we have offered—and the other was sold more than a decade ago.
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