The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I'm not sure this is an original print. I'm thinking the frame is probably not? I think the print has the right dimensions, but it's matted, so it's just a guess. Also the print looks like it was creased while it was rolled up (regular vertical creases). It was my father's and I don't think he would have framed a creased reproduction.

We are moving to Alabama and it may end up hanging in the garage (man cave). But I don't want to wreck it if it's an original. But I don't know what else to do with it.

Any ideas on how to determine if it's an original print without un-framing it? And what to do with it either way?

-Michael

I don't have a clear answer, unfortunately. I used to own an original framed print, as offered by Edison to dealers. The frame looked much like yours, but the print had no mat. It went edge to edge, top to bottom, right up to the frame. Maybe there were variations. I just can't say.

I can chime in with a little additional information. Below is a picture of an original print and frame that René referenced as being provided to dealers. No glass in the frame, no border.
Shawn

I always believed, maybe erroneously, that this drawing was by Norman Rockwell.. it's like his style, maybe a bit less detailed...

Inigo wrote: Mon Apr 24, 2023 8:41 am I always believed, maybe erroneously, that this drawing was by Norman Rockwell.. it's like his style, maybe a bit less detailed...

I believe this drawing would pre-date Rockwell, who got his commercial start in Boys' Life magazine around 1913. I always assumed this painting dated to about 1906 or so given the style of phonograph on the table.

I've had two originals over the years--- Both had identical frames, with glass. I just snapped a quick picture of the one I still have-- (sorry about the reflection) It seems to match the frame on the OP's though not exact..... However-- The originals did not have the white border. Back in the early 80's I believe, this print was reproduced. I have a few of those rolled up in the basement. (see 2nd picture)

I believe the OP may have an original frame with a repro print-

Brad Abell

The "original" artwork that inspired this print is on display at the Edison/Ford Winter Estate Museum, FL.
It was painted by an Italian artist, and originally displayed a Pathé type machine!

Cheers, Bob S.

Here is some additional information: http://www.phonographia.com/Factola/Massani.htm

I looked closer at the OP's picture--- On the two originals I've had, the visible portion of the picture measures 16 ½" x 24 ½"

Is the OP's actually matted or is the white "mat" a part of the print? --- If actually matted, and if the dimensions of the inner part of the frame are larger than 16 ½ x 24 ½, then I change my opinion- You may have an original print that was put into a larger frame.. thus, the need for the mat.

Brad Abell

Zwebie wrote: Mon Apr 24, 2023 10:54 am The "original" artwork that inspired this print is on display at the Edison/Ford Winter Estate Museum, FL.
It was painted by a French artist, and originally displayed a Pathé machine!

Cheers, Bob S.

Interesting! But according to the signature on the top right, the artist is actually Italian, from Florence. The phonograph looks more like a German type, although the cylinder box could be a Pathé. In a sense, this it is quite coincidental to the story of the Nipper painting, that originally had a phonograph instead of the gramophone.

outune wrote: Mon Apr 24, 2023 11:04 am I looked closer at the OP's picture--- On the two originals I've had, the visible portion of the picture measures 16 ½" x 24 ½"

Is the OP's actually matted or is the white "mat" a part of the print? --- If actually matted, and if the dimensions of the inner part of the frame are larger than 16 ½ x 24 ½, then I change my opinion- You may have an original print that was put into a larger frame.. thus, the need for the mat.

Brad Abell

Yes, mine is actually matted and guessing at what's underneath that, mine matches the dimensions of original prints in that the exposed portion of the print is just under the originals' dimensions.

My frame is larger than other original frames (although I am not saying my frame is definitively non-original. I'm not too concerned about the frame).

What should I do with this?