Record cutters played an important role in American history, allowing average Americans their first opportunity to record in the privacy of their homes. Since the machines were portable, they were taken into such places as public schools, fraternal lodges, offices, and even bars. It was popular to record special events such as heavyweight fights, World Series games, or important political speeches.

Wilcox-Gay Corp., which began in 1910 as a small company creating radios and transcription recorders in Charlotte, Michigan. As their business grew so did the product line they carried and in 1939 they launched the Recordio.

The Recordio device not only played records but also allowed the user to use a microphone that accompanied the player to record themselves onto a blank record - a "Recordio Disc."

The Recordio machine recorded at 78 rpm with decent fidelity. These machines were marketed to the middle class through such media outlets as Ebony and Life magazine.

The player/recorder found its way into the hands of musicians, and Johnny Cash and Les Paul were known to use these devices.

In its debut year the Recordio device sold 25,000 units, but with the Great Depression underway and the adoption of magnetic tape the Wilcox-Gay Corp. sales declined.

In 1961 the company moved to Chicago and lasted two more years before finally declaring bankruptcy a second time and closing its doors for good in 1963.

While this machine is in good cosmetic condition, I can not speak of its operation. I found this at an Estate Sale and have not tested it. It is being offered "As Is".