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I recently picked up a 4 minute cylinder record from a flea market, but I need some help Identifying it? It's not listed in the Cylinder Digitization and Preservation archive.

4M. 3197. Orchestra. Hearts & Flowers. Pat'D. July 29, '02

I know it's not an Edison, since it does not have Edison's signature on it. It may be a Columbia, or Everlasting or Indistructible, but I am not sure.

The Preservation website has the call umber as an Edison cylinder number Arthur Fields Jazz Band or something like that?


Thank You,

Paul

Albany Indestructible Record, (they made Oxford, and Columbia, and indestructible records.) Located in Albany New York. I believe the business was destroyed by a fire in 1921 or 22.

The patent date of 29th July 1902 identifies the cylinder as an Indestructible.

They are usually black, but the rarer Oxfords are usually light grey. Neither version is common in the UK.

In my opinion they are inferior to the Blue Amberol in both recording quality and surface noise, but they are nevertheless interesting.

Thank you for the information, gentlemen!

Per Sutton and Nauck's Indestructible Cylinder Discography, your cylinder is an Albany Indestructible. The only info available is that it's an "Orchestra" and it was released between January and June 1911.

Hope this helps a bit.
Sean

Thank You Sean!

Paul

My reference states it was recorded by the "Indestructible Record Orchestra" (whoever they may have been), and it was first issued in Feb/May 1911.

Yeah, the newer book says they don't really know who the orchestras and bands were for the most part, although the earlier issues seem to have documentation as to who some of them were.

I'd guess by going down the chart from the book and semi-guessing how many were released each month that this was likely an April or May issue, but I didn't want to go that far.

Incidentally, I have a copy of this cylinder and it's a nice one!

Sean

Ah, yes: I have the version by Stroud Haxton, #3141......

epigramophone wrote: In my opinion they are inferior to the Blue Amberol in both recording quality and surface noise, but they are nevertheless interesting.

Sometimes you will be surprised. It is hit or miss. I occasionally pick up a nice band or orchestra cylinder. They were recorded directly, unlike the later dubbed Blue Amberols. A nice clean one has a quiet surface too, but most that I see have been worn out. I don't think the cellluloid is as hard and durable as the Blue Amberol, but the recordings can be quite loud and brilliant when like new.