The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

gramophoneshane wrote:I've seen 2 or 3 different Excelsior machines, but the "pearl" wasn't one of them. I think this is the first Excelsior I've seen with 2/4 min gearing.
The other models I've seen were all loosely based on Columbia models. They have all been painted black, with red & gold pinstripes, and have had the EWC decal instead of the name Excelsior.
I'm guessing the Gloria was probably designed after a Columbia too, but wonder if it played Concert cylinders only or had a inter-changable mandrel for Standards as well?

Excelsior Phonographs, manufactured by Philipp Richard, Fabrik für Erzeugnisse der Feinmechanik, Cologne, were first offered at the Leipzig Autumn Fair in August 1899. The early, more expensive models are very rare today. Frequently seen are the small machines, indeed similar to Columbia's Type Q. I believe that the EWC decal was introduced in 1901.

The "Gloria" had a rather unique design - especially the bedplate, protected by utility patent in September 1900. The mandrel wasn't interchangeable. I only have a drawing of it.

From 1907/08 „Excelsiorwerk“, Fabrik für Feinmechanik, G.m.b.H. (designation since late 1899), exported a renamed model range to England: The "Pearl", the "Ruby" and the "Diamond."

I will post a few scans later.

Lenoirstreetguy wrote:Here's my lone brown wax and it's a late one. The only thing is it's got all it's goodies: box, record slip, cotton wrapping and lid. It's mint. It's also cracked but ya can't have everything. I've played part of it once...and it sounded pretty good, but as you can see it's late: it has to be 1901 I would guess. Anyone know ?

7805 was recorded in New York, March 1901 according to the Truesound online discography.
Is there a form number & date on the top edge of the label above Edison's picture?

Nice records around here!!

I have really never counted my brown wax (I should do thing by the weekend), but here's the earliest cylinder in my collection which is a Columbia Washington, DC. While speaking of Glenn Sage, he was very kind with helping me to identify this cylinder and even give an unbelievably exact release date which was January 1895.

The vast majority of these cylinders were delivered in blank boxes. This box is an exception where a dealer had applied a label. I am very happy that it is not only in wonderful condition but still has its original box, lid, cotton wadding, and the rare title slip.



I once did a quick research and found that Mr. Foster was quite very active in the phonograph business. 1-2 later he moved to a different street address in Providence, and by 1897 he made a business trip to New York City were he stayed at the Manhattan Hotel which still exists today. By 1911 he sold Edison Phonographs, likely because Columbia would stop their cylinder production. In the 20's he even operated a radio station.

Here are they are....These are all of my Americn records. Next i will picture all of my European Brown Wax. All of the cylinders can be heard on youtube. My name is Newtonlakephonos

Aaron

A great variety, Aaron! I always especially enjoy the records with the title slip which is always great.

Fascinating thread! I have no brown wax cylinders, as the prices for them on Ebay are absolutely prohibitive--usually starting at $50 per cylinder and going through the roof. However, they are quite fascinating and magical, as they are the earliest commercial records and offer a glimpse into another century.



Rocky

I forgot I had these Pathés. I have no idea when they date from, but the title info is hand written & they are numbered 8757 & 8092. I dont think the cylinders are original to these boxes though, as the boxes are stamped on the bottom 7184 & 7550. An Edison label has been added the lid of the second box too.

Heres the 1st of my European Brown Wax cylinders. This is titled "o'Salutaris" Im not sure what it means, but heres the cylinder!!

Aaron

Heres the next one.

Another: Here intitiled: "Goutte(v?)(i?)e Rosie"