Green’s Dictionary of Slang

Edison special n.

[see edison v. + SE special]

(US prison) death in the electric chair.

[UK]Andrews & Dickens Over the Wall 151: Okay, gang, I’ve got to cut out. Going to take the Edison Special!
[US]Newsweek 124 xiv/1: The prisoner’s ‘Edison Special,’ signifying a trip to the electric chair.