PhonoFocus By Request: United States Talking Machine

[Starkton]

Thank you, George, to remind us to the old times when ebay's user-friendliness was a little more pronounced than today. My memory concerning this remarkable auction is still very much alive. I am satisfied that the machine went to one of the nicest and most knowledgable collectors in our hobby.

Just recently I found a few historical facts which add nicely to George's article:

Some time after Joseph N. Brown of Muskegon, Michigan, filed for patent he approached the Berliner Gramophone Company to supply him a quantity of records to be used on his device. Without comment or objection Brown's request was forwarded to Orville La Dow, president of the National Gramophone Co. since October 1897. A contract was quickly executed and a "large number" of records was sold to Brown.

After a few weeks, Brown became overstrained to exploit his business idea on a shoestring. Thus, Thomas C. Mosely, of Chicago, stepped in and contracted with the National Gramophone Co. on December 9, 1897. Following the contract, the National Gramophone Co. was to sell one million(!!) records to Mosely. National was to purchase the records from Frank Seaman who in turn would purchase them from the Berliner Gramophone Co. Thomas S. Parvin, president of the Berliner group was highly pleased with the contract, but it was specially agreed that these records were to be used on a talking machine of a type different from the "gramophone" and which talking machine was to be marketed by Mosely.

[Affidavit of Orville D. La Dow in Frank Seaman versus the Berliner Gramophone Co. (U.S. Circuit Court for the Western District of Virginia in Equity); cited from Raymond R. Wile, The Gramophone Becomes a Success in America, 1896-1898, ARSC Journal XXVII, No. 2, 1996, p. 154]

On January 5, 1898, a new corporation to manufacture talking machines, the United States Talking Machine Co., at Chicago, with a capital stock of $50,000 was licensed. Incorporators were Thomas C. Mosely, George H. Mouseley [sic.] and Alfred Rurion.

[Chicago Daily Tribune, January 6, 1898, p. 10]

From January 23, 1898, a sample machine with record and 25 needle points could be ordered for $3, and agents were wanted.

[Chicago Daily Tribune, January 23, 1898, p. 7]

Regular sales started in early March 1898, and the selling price was raised to $3.50.

[Boston Daily Globe, March 6, 1898, p. 30]

As a side note, the United States Talking Machine Co. seized market opportunities abroad. Thus, Joseph Nathaniel Brown was encouraged to file for patent in Germany on March 1, 1898. I bet he was the only Muskegonian in the 19th century to do so.

[phonogfp]

Starkton,

Wow - that's great information! I'm familiar with Mosely, but not in this context. Where may I view these letters/contracts? Thanks for bringing all this to light!

(Of course, I must point out that Mr. La Dow's first name was "Orville.")

George P.

[Starkton]

(Of course, I must point out that Mr. La Dow's first name was "Orville.")

I have just checked his obituary (La Dow died on April 12, 1920 in Washington, D.C.) and you are right, his first name is "Orville." I will correct that.

I have included my sources, see above.

[phonogfp]

Stephan,

That's terrific - - thanks so much for those sources. You must be glued to your computer! And it proves that you're a gentleman AND a scholar...!

Thanks again,
George P.

[TinfoilPhono]

Fascinating new information! I'd love to find a stock certificate for the corporation...

It appears that the $3 machines were sold as samples, and for barely six or seven weeks before 'officially' going on the market at $3.50. That certainly clarifies the story.

[Sidewinder]

On page 9 of the article its mentioned that Munseys magazine sold a $1.50 model. Anyone seen one of those?

[phonogfp]

On page 9 of the article its mentioned that Munseys magazine sold a $1.50 model. Anyone seen one of those?

It's exactly the same machine - - just a lower price!

George P.

[phonogfp]

Oops - it's funny how the brain works...at least my brain...so slowly sometimes... While washing the dog just now, the "Phonogram" machine popped into my head - - cardboard box and all. The machinery is the same, but it's all mounted in a cardboard box and a different lid label. One sold on eBay in November 2006. Here are two photos from the listing.

George P.

[JohnM]

Man, am I glad I brought this up! More interesting than I ever imagined. Next we'll find out they were made in mahogany and Circassian walnut!

[Starkton]

I have heard of non-breakable records, but I have never heard of a non-breakable talking machine.

Is it possible to get a better photo of the record listing?