Scored a Paramount record today, wondering its rarity

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Victor A
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Scored a Paramount record today, wondering its rarity

Post by Victor A »

Hey everyone,

I went on an antique shopping spree today, and eventually found myself in a jenky antique shop in a bad part of town (though they had excellent stuff). There was also a back room with a door marked "basement" with a lock on the outside only, etc. etc. Anyway, for the 5 minutes I was in there, I found some neat records. There were crates upon crates of Diamond Discs (though sadly I don't own an Edison machine), Harry Lauder, etc.

The thing that caught my eye the most was a Paramount record! I know their "race" records are quite sought after, but this one is a march. The titles are "Washington Post" and "Blaze Away", both by Rogers' Band. There is a crack across the right side, but it's still playable.

Would you consider this rare?

Thanks
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Wolfe
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Re: Scored a Paramount record today, wondering its rarity

Post by Wolfe »

I've never heard of Rogers' Band, so it may indeed be somewhat rare (or not.) Common marches that they play there. Record's probably worth 50 cents, if that (cracked.) Enjoy it if you like marches !

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Re: Scored a Paramount record today, wondering its rarity

Post by Curt A »

Regarding Paramount records, basically the valuable titles are blues or race related...
"The phonograph† is not of any commercial value."
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Victor A
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Re: Scored a Paramount record today, wondering its rarity

Post by Victor A »

Thanks guys, I had an inkling the blues and race ones were what sell for the big bucks. And I do love a good march!
SOUSA, The March King, says:

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Wolfe
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Re: Scored a Paramount record today, wondering its rarity

Post by Wolfe »

I'd go back to that store and look through those Diamond Discs ! Like Paramounts, most have no particular rarity or worth - sure there is no Diamond Disc 'Race Series' - but there are exceptions. Like the dance / jazz band titles that Edison Company put out in the 20's. Certain operatic issues.

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Re: Scored a Paramount record today, wondering its rarity

Post by victorIIvictor »

Wolfe wrote, "I've never heard of Rogers' Band…"

Almost certainly Walter B Rogers, formerly of John Philip Sousa's band.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_B._Rogers

Best wishes, Mark

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Re: Scored a Paramount record today, wondering its rarity

Post by Victor A »

I'm definitely going back to that store, Wolfe! (Albeit with a large group of muscled friends! :lol: ) I did see quite a few Re-Creations (again, I'm not acquainted with Edison Records, so I'm not sure what that means exactly.) This place was quite clearly the jackpot! I thought I saw a Canadian Berliner, but it was probably just a Vocalion (The Brown Shellac confused me).

And Yes, Now I realize that Walter B. Rogers, Sousa's Cornetist, was more than likely the Band's namesake. Also, I'm trying to date this record. Is there a Paramount Discography on DAHR? (Or any discography on the web or in book form?)

Thanks
SOUSA, The March King, says:

"Your 'VICTOR' and 'MONARCH' Records are all right."

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Wolfe
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Re: Scored a Paramount record today, wondering its rarity

Post by Wolfe »

victorIIvictor wrote:Wolfe wrote, "I've never heard of Rogers' Band…"

Almost certainly Walter B Rogers, formerly of John Philip Sousa's band.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_B._Rogers

Best wishes, Mark
Sure, Walter B. Rogers. He's so associated with Victor that I didn't realize he also made records for Edison.

Thanks for the update.

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Re: Scored a Paramount record today, wondering its rarity

Post by victorIIvictor »

Wolfe wrote, "… I didn't realize he also made records for Edison."

Or rather Paramount (and no doubt Puritan, as well), as I'm sure you meant to say.

Victor A wrote, "Also, I'm trying to date this record. Is there a Paramount Discography on DAHR? (Or any discography on the web or in book form?)"

http://www.agramblues.nl/newyorkrecordi ... tories.htm

Highly recommended!

[Hint: it would help if you provided the disc's catalog number and especially its matrix numbers (which probably appear in the runout, and are different on each side].

Best wishes, Mark

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