What I Picked Up Today

[Talkophone]

4 16x22 Posters of Instruments put out by the Victor Talking Machine Company & RCA Victor. I personally haven't seen these posters before. Not in the best of condition but only paid $5 for them. You can see on the posters see eyelets so they can hang them up.

Larry

[Phonofreak]

Larry,
This was a set made by Victor for their musical educational series. I can't remember how many were in the set. The posters were displayed in the music room in a large school, and also displayed in a class room in a smaller school. This was to show the students the various instruments in an orchestra. Nice find.
Harvey Kravitz

[Lenoirstreetguy]

And the photos of the players are members of the Victor Orchestra. The violinist is Howard Rattay who can be heard on innumerable Victor acoustics. I think the later versions of these cards used instrumentalists from the Philadelphia Orchestra, but don't quote me.

JRT

[STARR-OLA]

Great buy.i really like these.

[estott]

Very very nice. The later sets are not quite as attractive

[Pathe Logical]

Good stuff Larry!

I am fortunate enough to own a complete set of 20 of these posters in the original envelope. The label on the envelope states: "TWENTY CHARTS of the INSTRUMENTS OF THE ORCHESTRA with HANDBOOK" and "RCA Manufacturing Company, Inc. Camden, N.J.". My set is missing the handbook mentioned (I am interested in purchasing a copy of this handbook if anyone has one).

Only the first poster (which depicts the entire Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra and all four sides of two records used in conjunction with this set --- 20522 and 20523) has a form number ("Form 395). Also, a line on the first poster states: " The charts are designed for use in conjunction with these special records and others, as indicated in the accompanying handbook". Since I don't have the handbook, I'm not sure which other records are referred to here (HELP anyone?). The first poster is not identified as "No. 1", although the rest of the set is identified at the bottom of each poster as "No. 2"; "No. 3"; etc. through "No. 20". The latest copyright date on each poster is 1931 (just as shown in Larry's pictures).

Most of the charts picture just one instrument, while several show three, four or nine.

Anyone with more info.???

Thanks,
Bob

[Pathe Logical]

Very very nice. The later sets are not quite as attractive

Just curious: Knowing 1918, 1922 and 1928 VTMCo. as well as 1931 RCA Victor Co., Inc. copyright dates are given on these posters --- which posters are "not quite as attractive"? Those after 1918? After 1931? How do they differ? Does anyone have photos to share of the "earlier more attractive" and "later less attractive" varieties? Does anyone know how long these sets were made (latest copyright date)?

Thanks,
Bob