Chicken or the Egg?

In keeping with the victrola horn theme.

I was always under the impression that the WE 555 came about based on the Victor Credenza.  In looking at the patents, the 555 was applied for first and also granted first.

 Both patents were done by the same attorney but the 555 was WE and the credenza transducer Bell Labs.  The firsty credenza dates back to 1925 so the patent is obviously after the fact

 

 I love the above treatment.

Just attach a needle to a diaphragm and play 78's and do I see a mini 16A hidden inside the box?