Berliner Tip Trays

[gramophone78]

I'm surprised Victor never offered tip trays like these in the USA. Yet, the last tray shows both the Victor and Berliner name. Interesting how one can see the prices increase as the models expanded. First, from $15-$40.....followed by $15-$65 with the last tray at $15-$300. The black bordered round tray was also made with the reverse in French.

[jamiegramo]

I would imagine these must be 'rare' in this condition. Wonderful and colourful additions to any collection. I don't think we ever had advertising tip trays in Britain, at least I've never seen them. I assume that the price ranges as stated mean that you can date each one quite accurately?

[gramophone78]

I would imagine these must be 'rare' in this condition. Wonderful and colourful additions to any collection. I don't think we ever had advertising tip trays in Britain, at least I've never seen them. I assume that the price ranges as stated mean that you can date each one quite accurately?

Condition is always an issue with any tin litho items. The prices are an excellent way to help approximate date. Company name changes can also help narrow down if applicable.

Berliner started operations in Canada under the name E Berliner Gram-O-Phone with Emanuel Blout as GM. The price range shown on the blue border tray matches what is found in a January 1901 Delineator ad. The $40.00 machine being the Type B (Grand). So, this tray would be the earliest at late 1900 or early 1901.

You may notice a $5.00 priced Gramophone. There is a single ad in a French newspaper that shows a cut drawing of a "Le Gram-o-phone des Enfants" at $5.00. However, there is I believe only one example of this model in the Canadian archive. So, if anyone happens to find one....please let me know.

A model line up circa 1902, shows the top model (Type C) at $45.00.

In 1904 the company name was changed to Berliner Gram-O-Phone Company Of Canada Ltd. which matches the round red border tray and therefore circa 1904-1909. Probably closer to 1904 given the top model priced at $65.00.

By July 17 1909, "Of Canada" was dropped and the company went by Berliner Gram-O-Phone Company Ltd. which matches the round black border tray and therefore circa 1909 or later.

Also, in 1909 Emanuel Blout left the company and returned to the USA.