How rare are Sterling cylinders?

[Timo Gramophone]

I was wondering how rare are the British Sterling cylinders? I've read their wax is rather soft compared to Edison Gold Moulded cylinders. This must mean they are rarer found in good condition than Edisons. I've got two Sterlings in reasonable condition, one with a fair portion of mold. Are Sterling records valuable?

I've attached two photos of my Sterling cylinders

- Timo

[epigramophone]

It is interesting that one of your cylinders is by Russell Hunting, whose company the Russell Hunting Record Co.Ltd manufactured Sterling cylinders, named after his business partner Louis Sterling.

Sterling cylinders first appeared in 1905, and Hunting's "Casey" recordings were best sellers. The company failed in 1908, some say as the result of a price war, but was reformed in 1909 without Louis Sterling, who meanwhile had founded Rena records. Sterling later ran UK Columbia and eventually became the first Managing Director of EMI.

By 1912 Hunting's company had been taken over by Edison Bell.

Sterling cylinders sold well in the UK. One account refers to sales of 3 million in 1907 alone, so a reasonable number may still survive.

[mf77]

I have quite a few in my collection, so I wouldn't consider them rare at all.
I have found the slightly longer "Smithurst's System" cylinders a little more common than the standard size cylinders.

[Timo Gramophone]

Okay, thanks for the information. I knew Sterling began in 1905, but i never knew when the production ended.
I really like Sterling cylinders, so it's nice to know they are not that rare.
Is there any way i can date my two Sterlings? Is there a cylinderography available about Sterling cylinders?

Thanks for the help,

-Timo

[epigramophone]

There are a couple of issues in the CLPGS Reference Series which may be helpful, although I have not read either of them as the only cylinders I collect are Blue Amberols :

RS6 "The ultimate phonograph cylinder handbook."

RS22 "Sterling history."

They can be found at www.clpgs.org.uk

[Timo Gramophone]

Yes, that may be helpful. Maybe i will order one, or both!
Thanks for the link.

-Timo