The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

After too many years to count, I was finally able to find all four examples of Berliner Gram-O-Phone Tip trays in decent condition. The black rectangle version (second oldest) was the most elusive to find in this condition.

gramophone78 wrote:After too many years to count, I was finally able to find all four examples of Berliner Gram-O-Phone Tip trays in decent condition. The black rectangle version (second oldest) was the most elusive to find in this condition.

Berliner Gram-O-Phone Tip Trays (1).jpg

Berliner Gram-O-Phone Tip Trays (2).jpg

so what are tip trays ! and why did Berliner want them ?

I imagine they sold these for dumping discarded needles when playing records. Very beautiful and useful!

Inigo wrote:I imagine they sold these for dumping discarded needles when playing records. Very beautiful and useful!

Regrettably many were used as ashtrays. like most tip trays, they were a giveaway premium to promote sales...do what you like with them....I guess.

Do you have a date when these were made? Say mid to late teens?

Governor Flyball wrote:Do you have a date when these were made? Say mid to late teens?

The blue border tray shows the company name as E Berliner Gram-O-Phone Co. which predates June 9 1909 when the name was changed to the Berliner Gram-O-Phone Co of Canada Ltd. as seen on the black rectangle tray and the red border round tray. By July 17 1909 "of Canada" was dropped as seen on the black border round tray.

This may explain why the black border rectangle and red round tray rarely turn up and the black border round tray more commonly found.

Of interest, the blue border tray also states the Gramophone line priced from $15-$40. The black border rectangle (no prices mentioned).The red border round tray $15-$65 and last the black border round tray $15-$300.

Given this information, I would say the last tray dates from around 1909-10.

What could you reasonably expect to pay for one of these, IF you happened onto one? I have never seen one for sale...

Thanks for sharing such a unique collection. I have one of the round trays and consider myself fortunate.

Jerry Blais

[quote="soundgen"][quote="gramophone78"]After too many years to count, I was finally able to find all four examples of Berliner Gram-O-Phone Tip trays in decent condition. The black rectangle version (second oldest) was the most elusive to find in this condition.[/quote
so what are tip trays ! and why did Berliner want them

These were given away to restaurants and saloons by the phonograph companies to promote their products in the early 20th century. Servers would bring the patrons their change in them, hoping that some would be left as a tip . Usually these are worn till there's absolutely nothing left of them, so finding ones in that good of condition is truly amazing. Thank you for sharing them.
so what are tip trays ! and why did Berliner want them

Some sold prices here

https://www.liveauctioneers.com/en-gb/i ... eedle-tray