Edison Phonograph "Figure It Out" Puzzle

[melvind]

In 1903 or so Edison provided an advertising puzzle card that could be used to amuse customers. The only reference I have found to the card is in the March 1903 Edison Phonograph Monthly on page 4. This doesn't explain exactly when the item was first available, but it does show it had been discontinued by March of 1903. So, an old and rare item indeed.

 

 

I would love to know what the Key Puzzle mentioned above is as well but I have never seen or heard of one.

 

Here is a short video I put together to show the puzzle in action.

 

 

And finally here are some still images of both sides of the puzzle. 

 

  

 

 

Edited February 10, 2023 by melvind

[Valecnik]

Wow that's very cool Dan.  Did you find it at a show or some shop?

[phonogfp]

That's an outstanding advertising gizmo!

 

George P.

[melvind]

29 minutes ago, Valecnik said:

Wow that's very cool Dan.  Did you find it at a show or some shop?

I got it from another collector on the east coast. It cost me dearly, but I only know of one other and it still belongs to the same collector as far as I know. It is one of my favorite things.

[Valecnik]

37 minutes ago, melvind said:

I got it from another collector on the east coast. It cost me dearly, but I only know of one other and it still belongs to the same collector as far as I know. It is one of my favorite things.

Well good you grabbed it.  A lot of my favorite things "cost me dearly".  That's one of the reasons I'm driving a 22 year old car, I guess.🤣