Description:

Thomas Edison
n.p., ca. 1915-1929
Rare Thomas Edison Manufactured Self-Winding Stock Ticker Ca. Early-1900s
Other

Rare self-winding ticker manufactured by Thomas Edison, as early as 1903, but possibly the first quarter of the 20th century. This device, known as the self-winding ticker, was based on tickers designed by George Scott and W. P. Phelps in the 19th century and subsequently modified by J. C. Barkley and Jay Page about 1903. The version manufactured by Thomas A. Edison, Inc. was an automatic version of the self-winding ticker developed by Western Union engineers and introduced in 1923. See David Hochfelder, The Telegraph in America, 1832-1920 (p. 107). This present piece in our auction was manufactured by Edison, as evidenced by the engraving on the piece. Apparently, Edison redesigned the original ticker, although he didn't invent it. This one is model number 32-A (shown on a metal plaque screwed onto the ticker). According to quite a few reputable sites online, that "model was manufactured between 1915 and 1929, and of the 16,000 produced only about 250 survive to this day, most on display in private collections or museums."

Edison's original redesign of the 1870s invention revolutionized Wall Street by synchronizing stock prices across the exchange companies, allowing for the meteoric rise of the NYSE in the early 20th century. It was one of Edison's earliest achievements first designed for a subsidiary of Western Union, and then manufactured by his own company, as evidenced by the engraving on the side, "M'F'D. BY T. A. EDISON, INC.," with serial number "9370." While not the earliest universal stock ticker, this model is preferred by collectors as it originates from Edison's factory. Ticker machine is made of brass, with a cast iron base. With original parts but lacking the ink box, which is commonly absent. Machine measures approximately 7.5" in diameter across the base and 11" in height. Expected handling wear. Overall, in very good condition.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

  • Dimensions: 11" in height, base is 7.5" in diameter
  • Medium: Other

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Unless otherwise indicated, we do our own in-house world-wide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses that proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with a signature required option, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

Upon winning your item(s), you will receive an invoice with our in-house shipping and handling fees included. ***We will ship to the address as it appears on your invoice. If any changes to the shipping address need to be made, you must inform us immediately.***

International shipments: In order to comply with our insurance provider, all international shipments will be sent via Fed Ex and customs paperwork will show a value of $1.00. International buyers should contact our office directly with any questions regarding this policy.

Third-Party Shipping Option: If a third-party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third-party. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third-party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third-party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.

Please see our full terms and conditions for names of suggested third-party shippers.

After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 10 business days following receipt of full payment for item.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Wilton, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

June 4, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000