The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I;m sure this has been covered before, but what do people do for storing brown wax Concert cylinder. I’ve had a couple succumbs to “mold” (I know it’s not actually mold), which seems such a shame since they are so old and so costly. I keep the in a dry place and even store them with those packets which keep moisture out of things (dessicant packets). Some survive great and others don’t. I particularly worry about those which already have some spotting in them. I love my Concert cylinders but hesitate to buy more because of this. Advice appreciated.

PS. I’ve often thought it would be interesting to make a box that could store them in a low vacuum, to see if that might prevent determination. Thoughts? Thank you!

I have tried wrapping the cylinder in wax paper, closing the ends and then re inserting back into the cardboard case. This keeps moisture away from the cylinder surface.
A couple of years have passes and this seems to be working.
Blain

Most collectors don't have enough of them to worry about storage... LOL. It is probably advisable to remove them from their original containers and store them in a clean new acid free box of some sort. The old boxes may still retain contamination.