The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I'm sure most know or have heard the name R.S. Williams & Sons of Toronto Canada. Their prolific celluloid plate is found on many Edison models that were sold in Canada.
From what I understand, they were one of (if not the) biggest Edison dealer/jobber in Canada.

Recently, I found a needle tin offered by them.

Now, I wonder if Edison knew his major Canadian dealer/jobber was also selling a product that went against his format beliefs... .
I can't say I have seen another tin promoting them. Nor have I seen any other companies (Columbia,etc..) machine with their celluloid plate attached.
Certainly not Victor as Berliner cornered that market up here.

Has anyone else seen a needle tin or machine (other than an Edison model) promoting this company..?.

Last, was there a "Clarion" record label or was this just the name given to this type of needle..??.

I would appreciate any information.

There was certainly a British "Clarion" record label although I am not aware that they produced disc records.
The following is taken from the CLPGS website and may be of interest.

Clarion
Clarion was the last of the British phonograph companies, incorporated in July 1907 as the “Premier Manufacturing Co.Ltd", just as public taste was veering towards the disc. It had the benefit of Charles Richard Johnstone, a veteran recording engineer from the old Edison United Phonograph Co. of the early 1890s, and produced well made and recorded records in its early years. Contemporary opinion considered the wax to be exceptionally smooth and the band records to be of outstanding quality. Clarion also produced a 5 minute (200 tpi) cylinder known as the “Ebonoid” in April 1909 with 20 titles and attachments to convert Edison Gem and Standard phonographs to play them. The company folded in 1910 in the general difficulties assailing the cylinder trade at the time and re-emerged as the Clarion Record Co. Ltd. It had a nominal capital of just £100 and from this time onwards it led a hand to mouth existence, issuing records from time to time until November 1922.

Regards,
Alistair.