What company did Thomas Edison establish in 1896 to manufacture and sell phonographs?

Thomas Edison established the National Phonograph Company in 1896 to manufacture and sell phonographs.

The company was created to organize Edison’s phonograph business, including the production of machines, recording blanks, and commercial recordings. It helped turn sound recording from a laboratory novelty into a consumer industry.

National Phonograph later became closely associated with Edison’s disc and cylinder recording businesses. Edison’s companies competed with other major firms, including the Victor Talking Machine Company and Columbia Phonograph Company.

A frequent confusion is between the National Phonograph Company and Edison Records. Edison Records was the recording label and product identity associated with the business, while National Phonograph Company was the corporate organization established in 1896. The company was later reorganized as Thomas A. Edison, Inc.