[The following note describes a series of company records and has no document records attached to it. To see the document records in the volumes and folders described here, use the "Which Series Notes?" button to enter the Series Notes or use the "Next Text" button to move to the first item in the series.]

Compagnie Française du Phonographe Edison was organized in Paris during September 1904 to sell Edison phonographs and records and, eventually, to manufacture records for sale. Joseph L. M. Kaltenecker was the first managing director of the company; James H. White of the National Phonograph Co., Ltd., was the first chairman of the board. The company was controlled by the National Phonograph Co. until 1911 and by the Foreign Department of Thomas A. Edison, Inc., thereafter. It became inactive after 1918, but it was not dissolved until 1924. The records consist of correspondence, minutes, journals, ledgers, and financial statements. Correspondence regarding the organization, structure, and policies of the company can also be found in the National Phonograph Company Records (Company Records Series).

The selected records are arranged in the following order: (1) corporate records (1904-1924); (2) merchandise ledger (1904-1923); and (3) financial statements (1905-1914). The items not selected consist of a general ledger (1904-1923); two unbound ledgers (1907-1923); two journals (1907-1923); and two cash books (1908-1914).

Records not selected

General Ledger (1904- 1923)

This ledger covers the period September 1904-July 1914, with additional entries from 1916-1918 and December 1923, when the company was dissolved. As the account book of final entry, it summarizes transactions relating to the sale of phonographs, phonograph records, and other products. Included are capital, cash, sales, and other accounts. The entries are written in French, and the amounts are calculated in French francs.

Ledgers (1907-1923)

These two unbound ledgers cover the period June 1911-July 1914, with additional entries from 1916- 1918 and 1923, when the company was dissolved. Also included is a legal expense account from 1907. Most of the alphabetical entries summarize transactions with individuals and companies, including royalty accounts with the Gaumont film company in Paris and the Reimers-Enberg film company in Brussels. Other accounts are with firms that appear to be dealers in France, Spain, and Belgium. Many accounts are continued from one ledger to the other. The entries are written in French, and the amounts are calculated in French francs.

Journal #2 (1907- 1912)

This journal covers the period April 1907-September 1912. Chronological entries provide information about transactions posted to various accounts and recorded in the general and merchandise ledgers. Each page bears the initials of an accountant or auditor. The entries are written in French, and the amounts are calculated in French francs.

Journal #3 (1912- 1923)

This journal covers the period September 1912-July 1914, with abbreviated entries for 1915, 1916, 1918, and 1923, when the company was dissolved. Chronological entries provide information about transactions posted to various accounts and recorded in the general and merchandise ledgers. Each page bears the stamped initials of an accountant or auditor. The entries are written in French, and the amounts are calculated in French francs.

Cash Book #2 (1908- 1913)

This cash book covers the period August 1908-January 1913. Chronological entries provide information about transactions posted to the cash account and condensed in the general ledger. A running head reads "Compte de Caisse" and indicates the month documented below. The entries are written in French, and the amounts are calculated in French francs.

Cash Book #3 (1913- 1914)

This cash book covers the period February 1913-July 1914. Chronological entries provide information about transactions posted to the cash account and condensed in the general ledger. A running head reads "Compte de Caisse" and indicates the month documented below. The entries are written in French, and the amounts are calculated in French francs.