The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I don't post "what's up with this on ebay?" but Whats up with this on ebay? eBay Item #220557095389

The seller has been listing these papers and has been getting big money for them. What is it about these documents that are commanding these prices? Who were these guys? Can anyone read what the letters say?

I'm surprised you don't know the name of Bacigalupi; he has many mentions in Edison phono and film history. Here's some info: http://www.edisontinfoil.com/baci.htm

Rector's name rang only dimly for me, as it's been 20 years since I read much about the early days of movies. Easy enough to look up: http://www.victorian-cinema.net/rector.htm

The letters concern purchases of the very earliest Kinetoscopes (I can read them, no problem), so are of great interest to film history buffs. I plan to save the images as new ones are offered !

Thanks Edisone,

Funny, I hadn't heard of this figure, though I recognized most of the names in René's article. René, too, mentions wonder at why his name brings big bucks. I guess that makes Peter the Joe Garibaldi of his day