Talking Machine Demonstration Record

[June]

Hi all,

I have a Thomas A Edison Talking Machine Demonstration record. It's a 78, and the speaker is basically explaining about it. Does anybody have one or know of it's value?

June

[gramophoneshane]

Would it be possible to post the exact title of the record, along with any record numbers eg: 51234-R.

[Phototone]

Hi all,

I have a Thomas A Edison Talking Machine Demonstration record. It's a 78, and the speaker is basically explaining about it. Does anybody have one or know of it's value?

June

This is odd. I don't believe Edison EVER referred to his machines as "Talking Machines", and Edison didn't start manufacturing regular 78 shellac discs until a few months before he shut down all record and machine production in 1929, and by that time I really doubt anyone would be interested in a "demonstration" record. The only 78 style demo records I am familiar with were made in the first decade of the 20'th century, long before Edison ever entered the disc market (with the Diamond Disc-which was certainly not a conventional 78).

[recordo]

maybe it's just the explanation of the music on the other side. I also have explanations of the music on Aeolian Vocalion disks.

The reverse of the pictured disk is "Vissi d'arte" from Tosca, sung by Marie Rappold.

[June]

Sorry my mistake. Wow! You guys really know your stuff!

I don't know why I equated the record with Edison. It is a Columbia Record with patent dates from Dec. 10. 1901 to Nov. 30, 1909. On the label it says:

Special DEMONSTRATION Double-Disc
This Record is not Not For Sale
TO THE OWNERS OF TALKING MACHINE: YOUR DEALER
IS AUTHORIZED TO GIVE YOU THIS COLUMBIA
DOUBLE-DISC RECORD FREE OF CHARGE
EXCEPT THE INCIDENTAL COSTS
OF PACKING AND
DELIVERY

A later edition of the record in shown in YouTube, with the same basic narration. I will take a pic, and display it as soon as I get a chance.

Thank you all for your response.


June