The Allen Koenigsberg Phonograph Collection
Lot 3029a:
Description
This exceptionally rare 1891 Imperial Russian broadside advertisement, printed in Moscow, announces a historic public lecture and live demonstration of Thomas Edison’s phonograph technology at the Imperial Historical Museum. Bearing the double-headed Imperial Russian eagle crest at its header, the document details a fascinating presentation by Professor A. G. Stoletov alongside demonstrations of the latest phonograph type—noting an identical machine was presented to His Majesty the Emperor. The document outlines an intriguing program of recorded tracks to be played back for the audience, including a cornet solo, a reading of the poem “The Dying Gladiator,” operatic pieces, orchestral numbers, and a direct recording of noises from Edison’s laboratory. This event was of monumental cultural and technological significance, marking one of the earliest official introductions of sound recording technology to late-nineteenth-century Russian society, effectively bridging Western industrial innovation with the Russian Empire’s elite scientific and cultural institutions. Based on image.png, the paper broadside is in stable condition with minor handling wear, light creasing, and faint edge discoloration consistent with its age, though it retains sharp, highly legible Cyrillic text and graphics. H 13.5″, W 10″. Please see photos for condition. From the Allen Koenigsberg collection.
Share this lot:
