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Why do some brown wax cylinders sell for more than others? I know factors like titles and condition play along but this is ridiculous. I thought the earliest cylinders were a lighter color and hence worth more but I see those sell for less than darker brown wax

Reading the description from the seller (well known for his knowledge of brown wax cylinders) this is a very unusual, early and scarce recording in excellent condition. There are collectors still around who value the rare and unusual early original recordings (cylinder and disc) and are willing to pay generous prices for them. I have quite a few early brown wax cylinders myself and original recordings by Roger Harding are pretty scarce especially in nicely preserved condition as this one was described. {I was not the buyer or seller here.}

From the listing:

Title: Katie O'Reilly
Performer: Roger Harding
Number: Ed2004??
Condition: E
Notes: This cylinder is in a "sweet spot" of brown wax. It was not a great seller in its time as the title is rarely seen.

Plus - and most importantly - it is NOT announced Edison Record! This means it was likely recorded by Walcutt & Leeds and might NOT have been released by Edison at all! Its plain, pasteboard box reinforces that likelihood.

Extremely early cylinders, especially in good condition, are very rare. In many cases, a given cylinder may be the only one left in existence of a particular recording. Those can sell for thousands of dollars. A year or two ago, there was a large batch of early North American cylinders, (I believe), that brought huge money.

In addition to the excellent points mentioned, the color of brown was is not an indicator of age. Color varied a lot in the early days. One of the earliest North American cylinders I owned was very dark brown. I have some late 1890s records that are very pale tan. It all had to do with how the material was compounded during manufacture.

Yes, what Rene said above, in addition to all other points.

The varying colors of early cylinder records is shown on this page of The Talking Machine Compendium:
Now check out these 1899-1900 Columbia cylinder records:
George P.

Check this out...

viewtopic.php?p=334132&hilit=north+amer ... rs#p334132

JerryVan wrote: Thu Feb 27, 2025 11:22 am Check this out...

viewtopic.php?p=334132&hilit=north+amer ... rs#p334132

Wow. Those sold for a ton. I still don't get why so much though. For a song no one has ever heard of I think it is a little bit insane anyone would pay that.

JerryVan wrote: Thu Feb 27, 2025 9:45 am Extremely early cylinders, especially in good condition, are very rare. In many cases, a given cylinder may be the only one left in existence of a particular recording. Those can sell for thousands of dollars. A year or two ago, there was a large batch of early North American cylinders, (I believe), that brought huge money.

How do people know they are the last? I don't understand what makes some more valuable than others for songs no one has heard in the past 120 years. I mean how do people know just by the title its value if it is a one of a kind or only known?

oceanlinerfanatic wrote: Thu Feb 27, 2025 8:22 pm

JerryVan wrote: Thu Feb 27, 2025 11:22 am Check this out...

viewtopic.php?p=334132&hilit=north+amer ... rs#p334132

Wow. Those sold for a ton. I still don't get why so much though. For a song no one has ever heard of I think it is a little bit insane anyone would pay that.

It's not about the song. It's about the rarity. No matter what you collect, for a collector, owning the only example known to exist holds a great satisfaction. If you're deeply interested in the history of recorded sound, then this is exciting stuff. Everybody has their "thing". It doesn't necessarily have to make sense to anyone else.

How does anyone know if an item is the only one known? We don't really know, of course, but if nobody else who follows such things closely does not know of another, then by definition, it's the only one known.

JerryVan wrote: Fri Feb 28, 2025 6:31 am

oceanlinerfanatic wrote: Thu Feb 27, 2025 8:22 pm

JerryVan wrote: Thu Feb 27, 2025 11:22 am Check this out...

viewtopic.php?p=334132&hilit=north+amer ... rs#p334132

Wow. Those sold for a ton. I still don't get why so much though. For a song no one has ever heard of I think it is a little bit insane anyone would pay that.

It's not about the song. It's about the rarity. No matter what you collect, for a collector, owning the only example known to exist holds a great satisfaction. If you're deeply interested in the history of recorded sound, then this is exciting stuff. Everybody has their "thing". It doesn't necessarily have to make sense to anyone else.

How does anyone know if an item is the only one known? We don't really know, of course, but if nobody else who follows such things closely does not know of another, then by definition, it's the only one known.

Okay thanks. I get it now I still think though that is a hefty price to pay for one but if it makes them happy then who cares