I'm fascinated by the discussions about a Thomas Edison music box.
I went to the dealer mentioned in today's MMD, and have respectfully
written him suggesting that he change his description.  The item is a
magnificent one, but most assuredly not for a music box, and clearly
not an Edison product, 'though intended for use as a stand for one.

The dealer's web site is magnificent, and beautifully done.

I had written the young lady who originally raised this thread, saying
I had never heard of an Edison music box.  While I agree with Matthew
Caulfield that one must be careful in saying "There is no such thing,"
in our field, and particularly in respect to Thomas Edison, I feel
quite safe in saying that there simply is no such thing as an Edison
Music Box, except using the term "music box" in the very broadest
sense.

I don't think he ever used the term to describe his inventions.  David
Sarnoff did indeed use it to promote his idea of home radios, in his
campaign which resulted in the little company called RCA (which, by the
way, no longer exists, except as a trademark name).

I recall some years back hearing someone describe an upright
Gramophone-type machine as a "glass phonograph", and at another time
someone claimed to have seen one made of wicker.  In each case I said
there was no such thing, but was quite happy to swallow my egotistical
pride when I visited each site, studied the two items in question which
were indeed as described, and purchased them for my collection.  The
former was indeed an item of "glass and mirrors", quite properly
manufactured under the name Crystola.

Thomas Edison certainly did a lot of things, and started a lot of other
people on many others.  But music box?  I don't think so!

While I'm here, allow me to wish you all a happy, healthful, reflective
Thanksgiving.

Lee Munsick
Appomattox County, Virginia USA