EDISON (THOMAS) Typed letter signed ('Thomas A. Edison') to Dr David Thomas of Builth Wells ('Dear Sir'), thanking him for his '...appreciation of the Phonograph. It affords me much gratification to know that there are those who, like yourself, derive so much pleasure from this source...', and hoping that '...my continued efforts to improve the quality of the instrument and the records will serve to increase your interest as time brings the further development of both...', printed 'From the Laboratory of Thomas A. Edison' letterhead, one page affixed firmly to an album leaf, discoloured, creased at folds, pins holding item in place on reverse coming through with associated holes, 4to (278 x 214mm.), with mount 288 x 223mm., Orange, N.J., 15 February 1912 Footnotes: 'MUCH GRATIFICATION TO KNOW THAT THERE ARE THOSE WHO, LIKE YOURSELF, DERIVE SO MUCH PLEASURE FROM THIS SOURCE': Thomas Edison replies to a letter of appreciation from a Welsh fan of the phonograph in the early days of the commercial record industry. That Dr Thomas felt moved to write from the centre of Wales to Thomas Edison in 1912 shows the rapid dissemination of his cylinder phonograph worldwide since its launch in 1888, credit to not only improvements in technology but also the success of Edison's distribution and marketing strategy. Edison's Amberol cylinders and the machines to play them on were introduced in 1908 and in our letter, Edison refers to his continued search '...to improve the quality of the instruments and the records...', anticipating the launch of his new flat Diamond Disc Record in October 1912, just months later. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing