The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I spent the good part of the past two days cataloging my Edison records and I have some questions.

I have some records with paper labels and they all have numbers. I have some that had a paper label but the label is gone but the number is heavily embossed where the paper label would have been. I have some etched labels and some have numbers. I have some etched labels with no numbers except the number on the records edge.

On the records with missing labels that have numbers, is there a way to find out the name of the record by the number? I've played them but I'd like the official name and artist.

What is the difference between:
- records with paper labels
- etched labels with numbers
- etched labels with numbers only on the edge?

Do these differences indicate age/year(s) of recording/issuance?

Do the numbers indicate age/year(s) of recording/issuance?

The knowledge on this forum always astounds me and I thank you in advance.

You would do well to buy a copy of the Collector's Guide to Edison Records as this would answer all your questions and more.

Short answers:
Discs with edge numbers were pressed from 1912-1918
Discs with embossed labels but no edge numbers were pressed from 1918-1921
Discs with paper labels were pressed 1921-1929

You can download a discography of Diamond Discs in Excel format for free from truesoundtransfers.de. You can use this to search for record and/or matrix numbers as needed.

I previously posted charts showing when most popular series Edison records were released. You can find that here:
http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... art+edison

The spread sheet at this site should help. For records with no 5-digit number anywhere on the record, use the matrix number etched into the runout area to look up the number.

http://www.truesoundtransfers.de/edisondd.zip

You should also get the the 4 volume Charles Gregory set of Diamond disc labels. It is being sold for just $40 a set from the A.P.S. club. Original price was $200!

Just wanted to say "thank you" for all your help. I knew you guys would have the knowledge and information.

marcapra wrote:You should also get the the 4 volume Charles Gregory set of Diamond disc labels. It is being sold for just $40 a set from the A.P.S. club. Original price was $200!

Is there a link? I can’t find them on the site.

BwanaJoe wrote:

marcapra wrote:You should also get the the 4 volume Charles Gregory set of Diamond disc labels. It is being sold for just $40 a set from the A.P.S. club. Original price was $200!

Is there a link? I can’t find them on the site.

Here's the latest post. George can tell you if there are any left.

http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... es+gregory

Thanks.