The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Is there a website somewhere that shows the original paper sleeves that 78s were sold with?
I have a bunch of them and it would be neat to pair them back up with the proper era records they originally came with.
I an take pics and post but might get a bit pic heavy if I did that.

I do that. I have a big box of generic company sleeves that (when I feel like it) I'll re-pair with appropriate records, as long as the sleeves are in good condition. I don't know of any website devoted to that, though. It just takes time and observation to get a handle on the eras and styles.

Post some pics if you want, I'm sure it's not going to cause anyone any grief.

I'm always amazed at how many 78's turn up in mis-matched sleeves, which is how I have so many. I'll just yank the sleeve intially and re-pair the record (if the record is a keeper) in a plain new sleeve until a future date, when it might find a new (old) sleeve that may be appropriate.

Ok I'll take some pics.
Obviously I can tell that a Brunswick sleeve goes with a Brunswick record for example, but as far as which label specifically went in that sleeve is where I'm stumped.

The majority of my record collection is kept in period cardboard sleeves, but I also insist that any paper sleeves worth keeping contain records of the same make. Many HMV paper sleeves promoted a particular record, so a perfect match can sometimes be achieved. That is the mentality which results from a long working life in the Civil Service!

If I have a rare label with no matching paper sleeve, it goes into a dealer's cardboard sleeve of the correct period, in the hope that one day a match will turn up.

I know that some collectors prefer to use uniformly plain new sleeves, but for me the period advertising on the old ones adds to their interest.

epigramophone wrote:The majority of my record collection is kept in period cardboard sleeves, but I also insist that any paper sleeves worth keeping contain records of the same make. Many HMV paper sleeves promoted a particular record, so a perfect match can sometimes be achieved. That is the mentality which results from a long working life in the Civil Service!

If I have a rare label with no matching paper sleeve, it goes into a dealer's cardboard sleeve of the correct period, in the hope that one day a match will turn up.

I know that some collectors prefer to use uniformly plain new sleeves, but for me the period advertising on the old ones adds to their interest.

It's the same with me Roger, just as you describe!

I have to admit to 'harvesting' nice original sleeves from records I buy which I don't want myself.

An elderly collector friend of mine, Harry Howe (now sadly passed away) used to insist that the correct term is "bag" - I think he used to say it came from the paper or printing industry. It never quite stuck fully with me, but always comes up in my mind when sleeves/bags are spoken of.

epigramophone wrote:The majority of my record collection is kept in period cardboard sleeves

If you want some, PM me, I hate the things! I'm in the UK, so wouldn't cost much to send.

Barry

Orchorsol wrote:An elderly collector friend of mine, Harry Howe (now sadly passed away) used to insist that the correct term is "bag" - I think he used to say it came from the paper or printing industry. It never quite stuck fully with me, but always comes up in my mind when sleeves/bags are spoken of.

Interesting. I have several discs found in bags, some printed or stamped with dealer information.

There was some correspondence in the CLPGS magazine about the correct terminology for these bags/covers/envelopes/sleeves etc, and the general consensus favoured "covers".

Of course there is no correct terminology. We all know what we mean!

Covers - not appropriate, except for albums.

Bags - appropriate for records that came packaged in flimsy, cheap paper, which was most of them.

Sleeves - most appropriate for the type of thick cardboard sleeve one can buy today.

Envelope - appropriate if it's an envelope. I've seen records sitting in old envelopes, but not many. And I don't believe any of them have been record company envelopes. Barring those Presto or Presto like home recording discs.

Wolfe wrote:Covers - not appropriate, except for albums.

Bags - appropriate for records that came packaged in flimsy, cheap paper, which was most of them.

Sleeves - most appropriate for the type of thick cardboard sleeve one can buy today.

Envelope - appropriate if it's an envelope. I've seen records sitting in old envelopes, but not many. And I don't believe any of them have been record company envelopes. Barring those Presto or Presto like home recording discs.

You are wrong, and here is the proof :