The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

This fascinating leaflet in my possession was clearly supplied with new machines. It measures about 3 ¾ x 5 inches. I've no idea whether it has been posted here before, but I thought I'd upload it. No doubt someone will give us a fairly accurate date! The little tear-off piece (if that's what it is) attached to the back is intriguing - perhaps the remains of a warranty slip or something similar?

The needles are the most accurate dating guide. The Melba and the Pianissimo were both introduced in 1905, followed by the Piano in 1907. By 1915/16 the Melba had been discontinued, so the instruction leaflet must date between 1907 and 1915.

Very interesting, thank you for posting. Also the HMV style No. 7 shown would date this to around 1910-12. I was interested that the winding handle is referred to as a ‘crank’ I always thought of that term as American.

The tear off piece appears to be for a postcard that you could send to your local dealer for a record catalogue and the monthly supplements for that.

I contribute with a PDF assembly of the generous gift by Orchorsol

Not to put my finger in nobody's eye... but someone wrote in the front page IDEAL COLUMBIA with a pencil... seems old writing..