Cardboard records?

[Tinkerbell]

Before the thin flexible vinyl records became popular here in Europe, cardboard discs were quite often used for advertising purposes. In good condition, particularly with the original sleeve, these are highly collectible. Mind you, they were never meant to be played more than 5 times, so NEVER play one on your wind-up.

My interests are primarily from a collecting standpoint; I'll save the music playing for my traditional horde of 78's. Thank you for the insight, however... I do appreciate it.

[Tinkerbell]

Then there were these records that were made around 1904 with a fiber material with a thin celluloid coating.

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That's very cool, and fascinating to me to realize they came up with such an idea so early on.

[Tinkerbell]

There are some remarkable "on line" discographies and collections of these records. For example...

http://www.durium.opweb.nl/

http://78records.cdbpdx.com/HOTW/

http://hitoftheweek.blogspot.co.uk/

...and also CD re-issues...
http://www.archeophone.com/product_info ... ucts_id=61

The Duriums issued in the UK typically sell now for a couple of pounds each if the content is unexceptional. If the disc still has its original sleeve, clip, leaflet and cardboard inner then it will go for more, maybe £5-£10. There are many famous artists hidden behind pseudonyms, and these can go for more.

As syncopeter says, it is easy to destroy these on a gramophone, and many are found with the outside grooves ruined. However, many are found in played but good condition, so clearly the radiograms of the day did not do them too much harm.

Fascinating info and just plain fun stuff checking out the website links you provided. Thank you!