The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

After a long wait I’ve been finally able to locate a purple amberol I’ve wanted forever. Oddly, the top label part is completely white rather than purple. I’m guessing this is just some unusual exposure reaction, as the white part is the only part exposed when the lid is off. I’ve seen unusual coloring like this in other cylinders, but never in a purple amberol and to this degree.

Has anyone else out there seen a purple amberol with this type of discoloration?

Hello,

Yes, this is a common occurrence with Royal Purples! If they were set out somewhere, with the lid off, in direct sunlight, this is what happens (at least that is my explanation!). I have a few Royal Purples with the exact same issue, and have seen a number more just like these, over the years!

Mike Sorter
Riverside, CA

The same thing happens to Pink Lambert cylinders.

Rich Gordon

Funny enough - it was advertised as “rare” because of this. The price wasn’t too bad. It was a cylinder I really wanted and had looked for for years! I am absolutely love this, I’ve got it on diamond disc as well!