The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

The earliest mention I have found of “Victor Talking Machine” comes from an April 18, 1901 article that briefly mentions it.

And this April 21, 1901 advertisement seems to be the earliest use of Nipper and HMV.

Possibly this W.H. Bristol, late of New Haven, Conn.? Scroll to p. 25--- https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesm ... issue.html

AmberolaAndy wrote: Sun Nov 27, 2022 3:10 am The earliest mention I have found of “Victor Talking Machine” comes from an April 18, 1901 article that briefly mentions it.

Henry wrote: Sun Nov 27, 2022 12:33 pm Possibly this W.H. Bristol, late of New Haven, Conn.? Scroll to p. 25--- https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesm ... issue.html

AmberolaAndy wrote: Sun Nov 27, 2022 3:10 am The earliest mention I have found of “Victor Talking Machine” comes from an April 18, 1901 article that briefly mentions it.

All I get is a paywall log-in prompt.
I don’t think that paper is on Newspapers.com

I'm working on it....

Hi

Those who have suggested that no particular court case was involved (with the naming of the company) are closer to the mark. After all, it (the word Victor) was already applied to its products (the machines) before October of 1901 (i.e. by Feb 14) and was being used on their records by Dec 1900. These were legal documents (Trademarks, Labels, and Prints) filed by the head office (at the time). Memories by/from the ladies are not decisive, historically speaking.

Eldridge himself liked to think he was reminded by its pleasant association with the same-named bicycles.

And Leon Douglass (head of advertising) was flattered to connect it to the step-daughter of Peter Bacigalupi (whom he married), "Victoria."

As with most things of this sort, the answer is rarely simple.

Allen