The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I must admit the only reason I bought this record and then subsequently transferred it is the stunning label. I have a related label that I got somewhere in the past that we just the label not on a record. But, it is slightly different than the one in these videos. Anyway, they are men's chorus recording in German dedicated to soldiers and the red cross. I thought someone might find them interesting.

If anyone has more detail on these labels and why they exist on American made Columbia records during World War I with dedications to German and Austrian soldiers and Red Cross it would be nice to know. I realize the US didn't enter the war until 1917, but I can't imagine we were on the side of Germany when we later were allied with virtually everyone else.

(Double-click the video above or click this link to watch the video on YouTube in HD.)

https://youtu.be/DObE2C5j8rU

(Double-click the video above or click this link to watch the video on YouTube in HD.)

https://youtu.be/InY2uqoWVzA

Don't forget that the USA was neutral until 6. April 1917. Since there were large populations from ALL fighting European countries here in USA, these were commissioned by different ethnic groups to fund charities for their people back at home. I think these *may* have been an outgrowth of Columbia's Personal recording division.

Wow! The fidelity and the quality of the transfer are really great. Thanks for sharing!

dennis wrote:Wow! The fidelity and the quality of the transfer are really great. Thanks for sharing!

Why thanks, Dennis!

melvind wrote:

dennis wrote:Wow! The fidelity and the quality of the transfer are really great. Thanks for sharing!

Why thanks, Dennis!

Yeah, but with your transfers that just goes without saying!!

What an interesting record, and what a slice of history!

I just ran a Google translation on the Lorelei side's inscription; I think a fair reading of what came up would be that the record was for the benefit of German and Austrian soldiers blinded in combat. (Remember, leaving aside those who might have taken head injuries from bullets or shrapnel, one of the many lovely effects of gas warfare was blinding its victims.) That would comport with the picture of a man of military bearing holding a white cane and being guided by a little girl, probably intended to represent his daughter. My own "record jacket German" is just good enough that without resorting to computerized assistance I agree the other side states it is to benefit the German and Austrian Red Cross organizations.

Very nice transfer, and your video skills are a "wow." I didn't catch whether you referenced this, but in case not, the Brooklyn Saengerbund went back even further than the Mannerchor on the other side; this article from 1912 indicates the group was about to celebrate its 50th anniversary: https://www.newspapers.com/clip/1000131 ... engerbund/ Apologies if I missed it in the video somewhere--I was busy marveling at how well it was put together!