Like the Edison Parlor Model tinfoil phonograph, this diminutive machine was made as a novelty for home use rather than public exhibition. With its tiny 8" by 6" base and 2-5/8" mandrel it is at the complete opposite end of the spectrum from machines like the Bergmann Exhibition Tinfoil. Despite its small size it is extremely well-made and has features found on some larger phonographs, including a slot across the mandrel to secure the ends of the foil sheet, a "throwout lever" to rapidly reset the position of the mandrel, an adjusting screw to control the depth of the stylus, and a tilt-forward speaker. The mouthpiece is made of wood, and the cast iron base is beautifully decorated with red striping.

There are several of these known in collections in the US and Europe, including at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and the EMI Collection in the UK. According to several longtime French collectors, so many of these have been discovered in the vicinity of Lyon, in southeastern France, that it has been assumed they were made there. Recent research by Julien Anton in France has narrowed down the probable manufacturer to either Achille Loiseau or Leonce de Combettes, both of whom were originally from the Lyon area but who manufactured in Paris. It is believed that these were made between 1880 and 1882.

Variations exist. The presumed earliest ones had a speaker arm that levered outward from a bolt mounted on the left. Later ones have a speaker that tilts forward. Most, like this one, have a small spring on the front to apply constant pressure against the foil. They are typically found with red striping, though some have added floral-style decorative touches in the corners. A few are known with gilt striping.