Edison Kinetoscope Peepshow, circa 1894
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In 1894, Thomas Edison held the first commercial film exhibition using ten Kinetoscopes like this. "Peepshow parlors" became popular, where galleries of Kinetoscopes featured 15-second films produced at the "Black Maria" studio. For a nickel, viewers could peer through the eyepiece to see silent moving images of dancers, boxers, and novelty acts. Over 900 Kinetoscopes were sold between 1894 and 1895.
In 1894, Thomas Edison held the first commercial film exhibition using ten Kinetoscopes like this. "Peepshow parlors" became popular, where galleries of Kinetoscopes featured 15-second films produced at the "Black Maria" studio. For a nickel, viewers could peer through the eyepiece to see silent moving images of dancers, boxers, and novelty acts. Over 900 Kinetoscopes were sold between 1894 and 1895.
Artifact
Kinetoscope
Date Made
circa 1894
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
36.753.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Oak (Wood)
Dimensions
Height: 48.5 in
Width: 18 in
Length: 29.25 in
Inscriptions
plaque: Edison Kinetiscope Manufactured by Edison Mfg. Co. Orange, N.J., U.S.A NO. 1018 plaque: Patent Applied For switch mechanism: J. Henry Line Pat' Nov.4 1880 battery eliminator: Electrox Battery Eliminator Model AR-2 A.C. Input 115 Volts 1 Phase 60 Cycles D.C. Output The Schauer Machine Co. Recitfier Div Cincinnati, Ohio U.S.A.
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