The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

The DIVA label, pressed.by Columbia, was exclusive to the W. T. Grant department stores. Thus they are not easily found nationwide. Many sides (not this one) were recorded acoustically long after Columbia went to the Western Electric system for their Columbia releases. It seems Columbia had just spent a ton of money updating their acoustic process, and rather than junk it, they used it for "client" labels up until 1929, thus avoiding paying royalties to Western Electric on budget records.

re geography for Diva label, what you noted certainly makes sense of my find, which was in New Jersey, where Grants (like PA and NY) were everywhere

I can't remember offhand if I have any Diva discs tucked away. I do have an empty Diva sleeve that lists available records. It's fairly predictably catch-all, from Uncle Josh to organ solos to the Dixie Stompers.

I never found one in the wild but acquired one with my donated VV-X from a friend! Have to check the artist and title!