The Edison Model A "Home" (New Style) phonograph was one of the most popular home phonographs produced by Thomas Edison at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. This model was part of the Edison Home Phonograph series, designed for everyday households, offering easy operation and quick cylinder exchange.
Introduced to the American market in 1896, the Model A "Home" underwent several improvements over time. The "New Style" version appeared in 1901, featuring modifications to both its cabinet design and mechanics.
Its wooden cabinet was made of oak, adorned with an elegant "Edison Home Phonograph" inscription on the front. Most of its metal components were finished in black lacquer with gold lettering, giving the device a refined and visually appealing look. Being relatively affordable, it became a common fixture in middle-class homes.
Interestingly, Edison originally did not intend the phonograph for music. He envisioned it primarily as a tool for recording business dictations, educational applications, and voice archiving. It was only later that he recognized its immense potential for music, which led to the widespread popularity of phonographic entertainment.