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LaBelle Phonograph Corp.

Posted: Tue Jun 06, 2023 12:07 pm
by Frisco The Beagle
A friend of mine has a couple of 78s under the Labelle label with the signature line of the LaBelle Phonograph Corp., New York, NY. The LaBelle label is a client label (private label) pressed by Columbia as a blue label and Olympic/Fletcher as a black label. The label carries no performer ID, which can be learned through the matrix number (74901 in this case).

Does anyone have any info on The LaBelle Phonograph Corp.?

Thanks in advance for any help and suggestions!
labelle2.jpg
labelle.jpg

Re: LaBelle Phonograph Corp.

Posted: Tue Jun 06, 2023 5:44 pm
by Roaring20s
Just some basic information from Talking Machine World Trade Directory 1923
https://books.google.com/books?id=QSEyA ... &q&f=false
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and from Encyclopedia of Recorded Sound
https://books.google.com/books?id=9GGTA ... 22&f=false
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and finally, United States Congress House Committee on Patents 1925
https://books.google.com/books?id=257PA ... 22&f=false
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James.

PS: Needle packet and phonograph tag ...
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Re: LaBelle Phonograph Corp.

Posted: Tue Jun 06, 2023 7:07 pm
by Frisco The Beagle
Roaring 20's - Wow, thanks for all the info! The bit from the 1925 House Committee on Patents probably says it all, and explains why there may not be much info out there on these guys. It would be hard to establish a reputable name and lasting legacy if you are always on the run!
Thanks again!

Re: LaBelle Phonograph Corp.

Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2023 10:11 am
by Curt A
Maybe a Mafia enterprise to sell jukebox records to speakeasies?