PhonoFocus By Request: United States Talking Machine

[AllenKoe]

Very interesting, much thanks!

Does yours have the discs on the right side too, for a grand total of how many?

And does it have the 874 Broadway address (or National Gramophone) anywhere on the label?

How do you really know it was called "The Phonogram"? Was this sold or a Premium?

Best
Allen

[AllenKoe]

In connection with some related research, I am trying to understand an old ad for the United States Talking Machine Co of Chicago.

It shows an early version at $3 and appears at the bottom right of p. 152 of Discovering Antique Phonographs (Fig 4-1).

BUT the caption claims "1897" for the AD!

It is true that Brown's patent application goes back to April of 1897, but the stated company - USTMCo of Chicago - was not formed until Jan 5, 1898. Is there a conflict here - or have I misunderstood the meaning of the Caption? How can the '$3 ad' itself date to the claimed '1897'?
Shouldn't we change that last digit?

Thx.

Allen

[Sidewinder]

Hi, sorry, overly busy at the moment. Given as a premium, will try find the accompanying letter.