The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I waited until after my birthday (yesterday) so it wouldn't appear that I was fishing for attention, but I really should share the card I received from our irreverent daughter. She told me that when she saw it, she thought, "There's only one man who can fully appreciate this!" Well, I believe there are many more - and you don't even need to have a beard!

George P.

Very nice. A belated Happy Birthday to you!

Andreas

Happy birthday, a day late, to one fine freakin' beardo phono nerd. Jerry Blais

Happy Birthday George. May you enjoy many more.

Thanks fellows, for the birthday greetings. Sixty two...(sigh...)

But no one has commented on the engraving (please ignore the pink party hat!). I don't recall seeing this one with three people sitting at the "spectacle" Phonograph. At first I suspected that it was originally Edison seated in front of the machine (elevating his pinky finger) with someone else's head grafted on for the card. Now I'm not so sure.

Has anyone seen any contemporary use of this engraving?

I suspect the man to the left is George Gouraud. The man speaking into the tube looks like William Henry Preece. If so, this would suggest the image was created in England, likely during Gouraud's exhibition of the Phonograph there in 1888-89. All this is off the top of my head, so I'd be interested in any corroboration or correction.

Enough nerdiness. Thanks again for the kind wishes. Boy, the time DOES pass... Twenty years ago, Tim Fabrizio and I were beginning the work on our first book. TWENTY YEARS AGO...???

George P.

CLASSIC!!!!
Happy Birthday and thanks for all your research, books, and posts here.

Happy birthday George! And at 62 you're just getting your second wind. I will be 39 for the 36th time soon.

Clay

phonogfp wrote:I waited until after my birthday (yesterday) so it wouldn't appear that I was fishing for attention...

Ya whatever, I happen to know you really just wanted one of these...

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDskbYxYWBU[/youtube]

Well it's about damn time.

But shouldn't there also be one for "Paul?"

Just kidding, Vince. Much appreciated...

George P.

Can't top Vince's epic birthday video card, but do want to wish you a happy belated Birthday.
It's almost biking weather again!

Gene