Collection: Cylinder Record Boxes & Lids

Cylinder records were one of the earliest formats for sound recording and playback, primarily used from the late 19th century to the early 20th century. Introduced by Thomas Edison in the 1870s, they consisted of a cylindrical tube—typically made of wax, celluloid, or other materials—onto which sound was inscribed as a continuous groove. These cylinders were played back using a phonograph, with a stylus tracing the groove to reproduce the recorded sound.

Early cylinder records were made of soft wax, which allowed for direct recording but was prone to wear. Later, harder wax and celluloid variants improved durability. Cylinders typically held about two minutes of audio, though advancements extended this to four minutes in later versions.

The format was popular for home entertainment and commercial recordings, featuring music, spoken word, and even field recordings. However, with the rise of flat disc records in the early 20th century—offering greater convenience, longer playtime, and mass production advantages—cylinders gradually became obsolete. By the 1920s, disc records had largely replaced them.

Today, cylinder records are valued by collectors and historians for their historical significance and unique acoustic qualities. Some preservation efforts continue to digitize and restore these early recordings, ensuring they remain accessible for future generations.

Attention: The Phonograph Shop only offers nicer cylinder record boxes & Lids for individual sell. These are as complete as possible but may contain stickers, writing or stamped numbers.