- 20
Tainter, Charles Sumner, and Bell, Alexander Graham.
Estimate
2,500 - 3,000 GBP
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Description
- A group of papers relating to the Graphophone, comprising:
Tainter's retained autograph drafts of two explanatory documents accompanying a graphophone cylinder and "electro-type copy of a phonogram" that were sealed in a box deposited at the Smithsonian as proof of the success of his research with Bell, a copy of the inscription on the cover of the package, and the deposit receipt from the Smithsonian, also with two envelopes, 7 pages, 4to and 8vo, 1881; together with a group of five legal documents, typed and handwritten, in total 15 pages and including a printed agreement for the formation of the Volta Graphophone Company, signed by Tainter, Alexander Graham Bell, and three others, 6 January 1886, nicks and tears, the envelopes fragile, some browning
A crucial moment in the history of recorded sound. In 1881 experiments carried out by Charles Sumner Tainter (1854-1940) and Alexander Graham Bell had resulted in important improvements to Thomas Edison's Phonograph, especially through the use of paraffin wax as the recording medium. Concerned that Edison would hear of their work before patents had been granted, they placed evidence in a sealed box in the Smithsonian, and in the process christened their new invention the Graphophone. Tainter's drafts show the new name to have been a last-minute decision, with the original word "Phonograph" being crossed-through and replaced by "Graphophone".
A crucial moment in the history of recorded sound. In 1881 experiments carried out by Charles Sumner Tainter (1854-1940) and Alexander Graham Bell had resulted in important improvements to Thomas Edison's Phonograph, especially through the use of paraffin wax as the recording medium. Concerned that Edison would hear of their work before patents had been granted, they placed evidence in a sealed box in the Smithsonian, and in the process christened their new invention the Graphophone. Tainter's drafts show the new name to have been a last-minute decision, with the original word "Phonograph" being crossed-through and replaced by "Graphophone".
Condition
Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."