Metal Columbia Grand box?

[edisonphonoworks]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Brown-Wax-GRAPH ... 19e2c7b450

It seems that even this hermetically sealed metal Concert cylinder box, did not keep this record from mold. I have never seen one of these are they desirable? I imagine that when you seal a metal box like this, any water molecules in the air are just going to stay inside and eventually oxidize the was surface.

[mf77]

Interesting item. Cant say I've ever seen one of these either.
I wonder if it may have been a recording blank, and the metal box was to offer added protection if it was to be forwarded through the mail after recording?

[rodpickett]

This was a special option offered in the 1899 Columbia catalog for a felt-lined tin to protect your Concert Grand cylinder. The catalog price was 50 cents. The eBay item sold for over $1600. I have seen two containers now that contain the original paint and I am aware of two others that exist, but the paint had been scratched-off or removed.