The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Is there a definitive way to determine if a catalog is original or a reprint? I have a early 36 page Edison Phonograph catalog dated 1910 and in excellent condition which has me somewhat skeptical. The size is 3 ½" X 6 ¼" and appears to have some age marks from being handled but not much. I purchased it as being original but I am not familiar with what to look for as far as being a reprint. The bottom of the last page has printed "American Bank Note Company, N.Y".

This catalog came with a 1903 Edison Moulded Records catalog from the same seller.

The staples holding it together are still shiny.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Please click on the pictures for a sharper image.
I have enclosed 5 pictures.

I do not know and these are just my observations.

I think that the quality is substandard for the American Bank Note Company.
The paper looks thin, like an off-white 20# bond.
The photo of Edison looks like a second generation copy of an original printing.
However, it does look printed rather than a photocopy.
Old staples should have at least some oxidation on them.
Old staples may also be a bit thicker than more modern types.

James.

PS: It's a simplified (cheaper version) of this one ...
https://www.phonographs.org/product/l-3 ... h-booklet/

Thanks James. My catalog looks exactly like the catalog in the link you provided but without the added colorization and a different front cover. What seems strange is that the colorized version in the link says that it may be a reprint...There are two of them listed on Ebay currently and they both say copy/reprint. LOL back to square one I guess.

blizz

I may be very naive but don't honest reprints have to say they are at either the start or end of the book?

This is from a recent eBay sale of a real catalog ... https://www.ebay.com/itm/204292176082?h ... 7675.l2557

1923VictorFan wrote: Sun May 07, 2023 10:23 am I may be very naive but don't honest reprints have to say they are at either the start or end of the book?

Only if the original is still in copyright. (Standard disclaimer.)

Thanks for those great examples James..

blizz