Edison Royal Purple

[52089]

Cylinders numbered 29007-29077 were originally issued as Royal Purples between 1918-1921. The earlier numbers are generally easier to find. They were more expensive than the regular Blue Amberols and do not appear to have sold well overall. All are dubbed from Diamond Discs, so the fidelity is not outstanding. Some are better than others. As another poster noted, only one (29058) comes from otherwise unreleased material.

If you are just looking for a random title to have one in your collection, the common ones generally sell for $30-$40 depending on whether they have the correct box and/or lid.

The CLPGS (clpgs.org.uk) sells 2 CDs with every Royal Purple title in their "reference series". Numbers RS17 and RS18, 11 Pounds each for non-members, 10 Pounds each for members.

It is also worth noting that many of the Royal Purple recordings were also later reissued as Blue Amberols and are quite scarce in this format. A board search will give you much more info, examples, etc. Discographies are available in the Sutton and Dethlefson Blue Amberol books.

Are the Royal Purple cylinders that were later reissued as Blue Amberol cylinders the same 29000 numbers?

Rich Gordon

Yes. They use the same numbers, but are on regular blue celluloid and were sold in regular Blue Amberol boxes and lids.

[gsphonos]

Rich,

Here is a picture of a late copy of 29016 that I own.

Mike Sorter

[rgordon939]

Thanks Mike. I have sever of them and was wondering if they are rarer than the purple versions?

Rich Gordon

[gsphonos]

That's a good question Rich. I had not really thought about it--but I have seen MANY more actual royal purple colored cylinders in the 29000 series than I have ever seen as regular blue amberols. So, I guess I would say it would be much rarer to find one that is not purple. The later non-purple ones must be of good selling titles.

Mike