The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

It is really him. Forgive my earlier reply on the subject...I completely misread the listing when I looked at this first thing in the morning and thought it was Jean singing as well, not his wife. Now that I'm home and could consult a couple of references, this is extraordinarily rare, probably one of just a few pressed (this exacmple is serial #11, at least that many were pressed, although it is not a test pressing. Fonotipia tests usually have either a pink "Sample" label or a plain white one, I have a number of each.

What's it worth? Good question, but now that I've seen what this actually is, I think thousands of dollars, but how many? The auction service would do much better having a world class dealer like Larry Holdridge sell these for them, I think.

Again, sorry for my misunderstanding, but this is what I get for looking at something before I've even had my morning coffee. I wouldn't want to be accused of being ignorant, especially with 30 years of collecting this stuff under my belt.

Sean

The paper catalogue is now available. The lot descriptions and photographs are as available on line, but the separate catalogue for the John Paul Getty jnr collection also includes artist photos and background information to set the discs in context.

If you require a condition report, you are invited to telephone. They are very obliging in my experience, though as I have already said, if you want to bid, go there in person if at all possible.

OrthoSean wrote: Fonotipia tests usually have either a pink "Sample" label

That pink labelled Fonotipia are tests is a misunderstanding for many years. Beginning in autumn 1906, discs with that label were sent for reduced prices to authorized dealers for the purpose of prior information and basis for orders. The special label made the discs unsaleable, but the purchase price was refunded after return shipment within a few days.

That's something I never knew, so thanks for that info!

What's your take on the disc in question being auctioned? Test or not? I can't imagine Fonotipia going through the trouble of printing labels only to have them all destroyed less one copy.

Sean

OrthoSean wrote: What's your take on the disc in question being auctioned? Test or not?

This is certainly no test. Marie de Reszke's disc is a typical representative of issued French Fonotipias. They are all very rare. Some exist in a handful of copies, some are unique, others lack any trace.

Have you noticed that this copy was not treated well? The label is rather dirty and "decorated" with a needle run. Unusual for something which was an allegedly unique treasure from the beginning. I wouldn't be surprised if a second copy suddenly appears on a Paris flea market.

Thank you for confirming what I thought. And yes, French Fonotipias tend to be very rare. The majority of them suffer from being rather horribly recorded as well. It's a real shame SAS hasn't at least gotten in touch with someone who can properly grade these records, certainly a disservice to the Getty estate, at least.

Sean

Unfortunately SAS is no different to any other 'proper' auction house today. Most of the time you are lucky to get one pultry photo of an item (even valuable items) and the descriptions rarely, if ever, detail the condition. Now I appreciate that the auctioneer WILL probably give a report to any potential bidder/buyer BUT if you are interested in many lots (dependent on price), it isn't always easy to get that information for every lot. Why can't auctioneers offer a better service? They get a lot of money for doing really very little, in my humble opinion. A bit like estate agents but we won't go there........

I have requested condition reports from various auctioneers over the years. One fellow told me a horn was nickel plated - it turned out to be a stripped down tin horn. Another simply came back with the solitary word: GOOD. I kid thee not. Good? Yes, that was the 'detailed condition report' for an HMV horn machine! It sold for £220. That's how 'good' it was obviously!

Unlike Ebay where buyers can rightfully address dodgy con merchants via Paypal etc, buying at these auctions provides NO comeback whatsoever. Caveat Emptor!

OR go and view yourself and see if anyone REALLY is bidding against you on the day.

Is anyone at the sale?

Confused readers should Google "smartphone" to learn about the almost magic ability to be in a place outside one's own home yet still be able to access the internet.

The last SAS sale I attended was on 22 February 2012.

There were plenty of people there, but it was noticeable that a lot of the successful bidders were on line.

What is a smartphone?

epigramophone wrote:What is a smartphone?

Wouldn't it be wonderful if this question prompts a new Old Country Chemist cartoon?