The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Ok, I know it's not a "machine" but as there isn't an ashtray section I thought it would be ok .

Bought this recently - never seen another one ! Anyone know any more - I guess it is from the 20's ?

Brilliant never seen one before ! have the little Imperial records ever been put on the forum?

That's wonderful to see, thanks so much for posting! I'd love to find one myself! I have a "thing" for Crystalate as they were based fairly near here, and were very much pioneers in early record production in this country. Some years ago when I had a monthly spot on BBC Radio Kent, one of their DJs and I put together an hour's documentary on them. It was even nominated for a Sony award!

soundgen wrote:have the little Imperial records ever been put on the forum?

Here:
http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... =3&t=26753 and I think I may have one or two additions since the last list I posted.

There are bizarre ones such as Spanish lessons ! And also a really rare one I do like to be beside the seaside on the Blackpool organ by Sidney Torch , it was given away at the time and presumably in quantity but is very difficult to find

I once had a box of these with a letter from The Crystalate co thanking the writer fro requesting them , I think you could write off and get them as samples

soundgen wrote:There are bizarre ones such as Spanish lessons ! And also a really rare one I do like to be beside the seaside on the Blackpool organ by Sidney Torch , it was given away at the time and presumably in quantity but is very difficult to find

I believe that was on the Rex label which sort-of took over from Imperial - might be the only 3 ½" Rex disc issued - does anyone know for sure?

soundgen wrote:I once had a box of these with a letter from The Crystalate co thanking the writer fro requesting them , I think you could write off and get them as samples

I have one myself, complete with enclosed leaflets (but no letter) - will endeavour to photograph it.

Thanks very much for the links too Mike, I will definitely update the list now!

If you want to hear some of these, click on the link. The first record listed does not start playing until about 45 seconds into the recording, for whatever reason. I don't know about the others...
http://stamp3.com/download/3%C2%BD-impe ... play-audio