The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hello,
I have this pictured Concert cylinder that only has mold on the edges, playing surface is fine and playable. Is there something I can do to stop the mold before it spreads across making it unplayable? How should this be stored? In or out of the container? Any info on how to care for these would not only help me, but other collectors reading this down the road.
Thank You

I have Edison Concert and Columbia Grand cylinders that I acquired in the 1980s with mold on the edges as you show. I store them in original boxes in a dry environment and the mold has not spread in all these years. I used to toss little desiccant packets into the boxes (in the empty center areas), but I have my doubts if they did anything. As long as you keep them dry (no humid basements) you should be fine.

George P.

Thank You for that reply. I will store them as you recommended.

I have used fine (0000) steel wool to remove mold from the top and bottom edges of concert and standard size brown cylinders to improve their appearance. Use a small piece being careful not to go near the recorded section.

Rich Gordon

[quote=rgordon939 post_id=350162 time=1728153272 user_id=1883]
I have used fine (0000) steel wool to remove mold from the top and bottom edges of concert and standard size brown cylinders to improve their appearance. Use a small piece being careful not to go near the recorded section.

Rich Gordon
[/quote]

Thank You, I will try it.

It’s not mold, it’s a chemical efflorescence caused by repeated/prolonged exposure to high humidity.

JohnM wrote: Sun Jan 05, 2025 7:28 am It’s not mold, it’s a chemical efflorescence caused by repeated/prolonged exposure to high humidity.

While it's nice to know the proper terminology, are you saying that simply storing in a dry environment will halt further encroachment even though the efflorescence has already begun?

Probably, since it’s basically a form of ‘rust’.

JohnM wrote: Sun Jan 05, 2025 7:28 am It’s not mold, it’s a chemical efflorescence caused by repeated/prolonged exposure to high humidity.

Henri Chamoux cylinder expert from France, found after long research that this is a chemical process and exacerbated by exposing the wax to freezing (or close) temperatures. So keep them out of unheated attics/ basements/ cellars.