File:Lmabert Talking Clock 1878.ogg

English: The "Experimental Talking Clock" was recorded c. 1878 by inventor Frank Lambert. The talking clock is still the oldest recording that can be played back with its own mechanism, without the involvement of digital technology. Lasting 1 minute 40 seconds, the hand-cranked recording features an assortment of peculiar sounds, from Lambert calling out the hours of the day to indistinct speech and what may be chimes or bells. Portions of the recording sound in reverse, which raises the possibility that the phonograph may have been cranked counter-clockwise during certain points of recording.