THOMAS A. EDISON - AUTOGRAPH NOTE SIGNED 12/01/1920 - HFSID 71893

THOMAS A. EDISON
The inventor writes to his laboratory supervisor regarding cast iron blank molds, probably to be used for his disc phonograph, Edison's favorite invention.
ANS: "E" in pencil, 2p, 5x7¾, separate ruled sheets. No place, 1920 December 1. To "Moore". In full, as written: "I am sorry you didnt (sic) tell them to go ahead & finish the 50 Cast iron Blank moulds - They have the castings but no drawing or orders to go ahead, Buchanan wants to fit up another unit to make blanks & they are short of moulds Cant (sic) you rush these, perhaps we should order some steel but this is a long tedious job & costs much - Daley says he has no trouble with the Cast iron We must push see Buchanan". THOMAS ALVA Edison, who writes to laboratory supervisor, S.A. Moore, is likely discussing components in the refinements to the design of his disc phonograph. Originally, in 1877, Edison's phonograph had a receiver, a delicate metal needle that operated on a phonograph blank of white wax. The surface of the wax blank (which looked like an ivory box) could record from 1,000 to 1,200 words or several musical compositions. The wax blank then could be automatically pared from 15-20 times for new records. Between 1912 and 1926, Edison continually refined his discs starting with the Edison Disc Records in 1912 and launching his marketing sensation, The Re-Creation Disk, in 1919. The up and down groove enabled the record to play 50% longer than the "talking machine" record of the same size. A 10-inch Edison Disc record played longer than a 12-inch lateral groove. His Re-Creation Disk was molded in greater thickness and from a harder substance than an ordinary record, making it more durable. The phonograph was Edison's favorite invention. Lightly creased with folds, light horizontal fold at the "E". Minor nick at blank right edge of signature sheet, irregular upper edges from removal from pad. Staple holes at upper blank margins of both pages and lower right margin of signature sheet. Lightly soiled. Overall, fine and interesting.