20 shipping cartons of brand new 78's from 1926

[premis2]

This past summer I came across an ad in Craigslist for old 78 rpm records. The records were shipped 15 to a box from Badger Victor Co in Milwaukee by Railway Express to a general store in south central Wisconsin. There were 20 boxes in all. All in pristine Victor sleeves advertising the new Orthophonic line of Victrolas. The general store never got around to stocking the records and they remained in storage until discovered in the 1980's during an auction inventory. The present owner of the records bought them at the general store auction upon it's closing.

Eighteen of the boxes were still sealed with two being opened to view contents. I looked over the records and realized they were store stock and many duplicates existed. Also many were in Norwegian ( large number of Norwegian immigrants in this area.) All were Victor black and red labels. The records were physically beautiful. Nice and shiny with several Paul Whiteman tunes included.

Due to the large amount, 300 records, and the large amount of money being asked, I passed on the deal.

Fast forward to Christmas. While shopping at the local second hand store I came across some 78's in nice new like condition with perfect sleeves. I realized that I found all of the Norwegian 78's from this collection. The purchaser of the lot above picked through it and discarded all the foreign titles. I was fortunate enough to purchase these new records, 93 in all, for a grand total of $4.65.

Pays to be patient

Mark