The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I've been collecting for so long that I sometimes find things I didn't even know I had. It happened again today when I stumbled upon some records that were tucked away, which I had forgotten about years ago. They included several early etched-label Zonophone 7" records, marked "National Gramophone" under the Zonophone ma,e. And the one shown here: Universal Talking Machine Co., "William Tell Overture."

I'm more of a machine guy than a record guy so I don't really even know what I have here. Ironically last year I bought a 7" Zonophone record simply to display on my Zonophone A. I had no idea I already had several tucked away on a shelf. (Slaps forehead.)

Rene, that's so cool. I have the same record....only mine has no lease agreement on the reverse.

Small world!!

Rene,

This topic came up last winter, and I posted scans of an article I wrote on American Zonophone Records back in 1983. Please keep in mind that the Phonoscope entries had me believing at the time of that writing that these discs appeared in 1899, but by 1985 I was convinced (and still am) that Zonophone discs (and Universals like yours) didn't appear until spring, 1900. The thread and scanned article is here:

http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... ly#p146777

An improved, expanded article on this subject appeared in the June 2006 issue of The Sound Box titled, Spring 1900: The Final days of Berliner's Gramophone in America. A Universal record like yours is pictured and placed into historical perspective, along with other discs of the period.

George P.

Rene, it certainly is.. . Please note, my record has what appears to be cracks..... I guess they are by definition.
However, these "cracks" are from shrinkage of this strange material that is slightly flexible. Not sure if it' Celluloid or ??.

This disc is part of a small cache found that are all made from this. Some are more brownish in color with little to no markings.

George, your article is wonderful.

gramophone78 wrote: George, your article is wonderful.

Well, thanks for the kind words, Wayne. I hope you meant the 2006 article, because that 1983 work has a couple of inaccuracies!

George P.

phonogfp wrote:

gramophone78 wrote: George, your article is wonderful.

Well, thanks for the kind words, Wayne. I hope you meant the 2006 article, because that 1983 work has a couple of inaccuracies!

George P.

Actually George........ I (as many I'm sure do), think all your articles are 'first class'.

gramophone78 wrote:
Actually George........ I (as many I'm sure do), think all your articles are 'first class'.

That's very kind of you, Wayne. I only wish I felt the same! I tend to focus on flaws or ways I could have improved them...

George P.