Edison Home Kinetoscope Mechanism, 1912-1913
Add to SetSummary
The kinetoscope was originally a solitary experience. Visitors to "peepshow parlors" paid a nickel to peer into a wooden cabinet through an eyepiece to see a short film loop. But Edison and his competitors wanted to project films on screens for large audiences. The Vitascope, Projecting Kinetoscope, and Kinetophone are examples of Edison's experiments to turn film into a communal experience.
The kinetoscope was originally a solitary experience. Visitors to "peepshow parlors" paid a nickel to peer into a wooden cabinet through an eyepiece to see a short film loop. But Edison and his competitors wanted to project films on screens for large audiences. The Vitascope, Projecting Kinetoscope, and Kinetophone are examples of Edison's experiments to turn film into a communal experience.
Artifact
Kinetoscope
Date Made
1912-1913
Creators
Motion Picture Patents Company
Creator Notes
Manufactured by Thomas A. Edison, Inc., Orange, NJ, in cooperation with the Motion Picture Patents Company, based in New York City.
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
29.460.179
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Thomas Alva Edison.
Material
Brass (Alloy)
Iron alloy
Nickel (Metal)
Color
Black (Color)
Dimensions
Height: 6 in
Width: 3.125 in
Length: 3.75 in
Inscriptions
painted on side: 'Thomas A. Edison, Inc./Trademark
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