Recently found some Nipper memorabilia and would be interested how old the pieces are. I believe they are all relatively recent production but wanted to get more knowledgeable input. Please click on the pics to rotate properly.
Nipper 15”:
Nipper 11”:
Nippers 4”:
Nipper sign cast brass:
Thanks
Andreas
Nipper memorabilia questions
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Re: Nipper memorabilia questions
Hi Andreas,
You are correct. the 15" and the next smaller one are both fairly new and not a Victor Talking Machine Co. or RCA Victor product.
All of your 4" Nippers are authentic chalk Nippers of the 1920s period.
The cast metal sign is new.
Hope this helps!
Best regards,
Carlton
electrolaman 64
You are correct. the 15" and the next smaller one are both fairly new and not a Victor Talking Machine Co. or RCA Victor product.
All of your 4" Nippers are authentic chalk Nippers of the 1920s period.
The cast metal sign is new.
Hope this helps!
Best regards,
Carlton
electrolaman 64
Carlton Smith
Indianapolis, IN
electrolaman 64
Indianapolis, IN
electrolaman 64
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Re: Nipper memorabilia questions
This is just an observation on the 11" chalk Nipper.
I do not like the look of the Victor font.
I was also going to mention the front paws not being flat on the ground, but I see the Shaffer's 4" Nipper has that same difference.
James.
I do not like the look of the Victor font.
I was also going to mention the front paws not being flat on the ground, but I see the Shaffer's 4" Nipper has that same difference.
James.
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Re: Nipper memorabilia questions
Thank you both for your response and input. So should I try to repair the broken off ears on the 4" Nippers? Or leave them as original?
Thanks again
Andreas
Thanks again
Andreas
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Re: Nipper memorabilia questions
If you are wanting an indoor project during the winter, you can perfect your plaster and color matching skills on the ears. The rest I would not disturb the aged look.
James.

James.
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Re: Nipper memorabilia questions
So the suggestion to try for repairs would be real plaster, not some kind of epoxy? Yes, not thinking about making them look like new, only maybe replacing the broken off parts.Roaring20s wrote: Thu Oct 26, 2023 12:16 pm If you are wanting an indoor project during the winter, you can perfect your plaster and color matching skills on the ears. The rest I would not disturb the aged look.![]()
James.
Thanks
Andreas
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Re: Nipper memorabilia questions
I learned a lot restoring plaster Pathé roosters. The best advice I can give would be to use epoxy putty. Plaster won't work for repairs - it will not be strong enough for small areas. Also, I coat the broken raw plaster ends with Gorilla wood glue first to give the epoxy something solid to attach to, as opposed to crumbled/broken plaster. Wait until the glue dries, then knead the epoxy and shape it before it hardens - about 5 minutes. Two part putty sticks work best - like JBWeld or similar. It will be painted when done, so it won't show and can be sanded if necessary...
"The phonograph is not of any commercial value."
Thomas Alva Edison - Comment to his assistant, Samuel Insull.
"No one needs a Victrola XX, a Perfected Graphophone Type G, or whatever you call those noisy things."
My Wife
Thomas Alva Edison - Comment to his assistant, Samuel Insull.
"No one needs a Victrola XX, a Perfected Graphophone Type G, or whatever you call those noisy things."
My Wife
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Re: Nipper memorabilia questions
Epoxy putty sounds good to me.
James.


James.
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Re: Nipper memorabilia questions
I would leave them as-is.alang wrote: Thu Oct 26, 2023 11:30 am Thank you both for your response and input. So should I try to repair the broken off ears on the 4" Nippers? Or leave them as original?
Thanks again
Andreas

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Re: Nipper memorabilia questions
I don’t know much about these, the only thing I can really say is
NIPPER IS CUTE!!!!
NIPPER IS CUTE!!!!
If I were a troll, I would not post on the Talking Machine Forum; I would live under a bridge, post on Reddit, and eat goats for dinner!