LaBelle Phonograph Corp.

[Frisco The Beagle]

A friend of mine has a couple of 78s under the Labelle label with the signature line of the LaBelle Phonograph Corp., New York, NY. The LaBelle label is a client label (private label) pressed by Columbia as a blue label and Olympic/Fletcher as a black label. The label carries no performer ID, which can be learned through the matrix number (74901 in this case).

Does anyone have any info on The LaBelle Phonograph Corp.?

Thanks in advance for any help and suggestions!

[Roaring20s]

Just some basic information from Talking Machine World Trade Directory 1923
https://books.google.com/books?id=QSEyA ... &q&f=false

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and from Encyclopedia of Recorded Sound
https://books.google.com/books?id=9GGTA ... 22&f=false

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and finally, United States Congress House Committee on Patents 1925
https://books.google.com/books?id=257PA ... 22&f=false

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James.

PS: Needle packet and phonograph tag ...

[Frisco The Beagle]

Roaring 20's - Wow, thanks for all the info! The bit from the 1925 House Committee on Patents probably says it all, and explains why there may not be much info out there on these guys. It would be hard to establish a reputable name and lasting legacy if you are always on the run!
Thanks again!

[Curt A]

Maybe a Mafia enterprise to sell jukebox records to speakeasies?