The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Hi all,

I have a Thomas A Edison Talking Machine Demonstration record. It's a 78, and the speaker is basically explaining about it. Does anybody have one or know of it's value?

June

Would it be possible to post the exact title of the record, along with any record numbers eg: 51234-R.

June wrote:Hi all,

I have a Thomas A Edison Talking Machine Demonstration record. It's a 78, and the speaker is basically explaining about it. Does anybody have one or know of it's value?

June

This is odd. I don't believe Edison EVER referred to his machines as "Talking Machines", and Edison didn't start manufacturing regular 78 shellac discs until a few months before he shut down all record and machine production in 1929, and by that time I really doubt anyone would be interested in a "demonstration" record. The only 78 style demo records I am familiar with were made in the first decade of the 20'th century, long before Edison ever entered the disc market (with the Diamond Disc-which was certainly not a conventional 78).

maybe it's just the explanation of the music on the other side. I also have explanations of the music on Aeolian Vocalion disks.

The reverse of the pictured disk is "Vissi d'arte" from Tosca, sung by Marie Rappold.

Sorry my mistake. Wow! You guys really know your stuff!

I don't know why I equated the record with Edison. It is a Columbia Record with patent dates from Dec. 10. 1901 to Nov. 30, 1909. On the label it says:

Special DEMONSTRATION Double-Disc
This Record is not Not For Sale
TO THE OWNERS OF TALKING MACHINE: YOUR DEALER
IS AUTHORIZED TO GIVE YOU THIS COLUMBIA
DOUBLE-DISC RECORD FREE OF CHARGE
EXCEPT THE INCIDENTAL COSTS
OF PACKING AND
DELIVERY

A later edition of the record in shown in YouTube, with the same basic narration. I will take a pic, and display it as soon as I get a chance.

Thank you all for your response.


June