Edward German's Shepherds Dance: from 1902?

[iainp]

I recently bought this cylinder: Edward German's Shepherds Dance, violin solo by Charles D' Almaine, number 8070 (see photo)

According to the Cylinder preservation and digitization project, it was recorded in 1902:

Title:

Shepherds' dance

Performer(s):

Charles D'Almaine.

Issue Number/Label:

8070: Edison Gold Moulded Record

Year of Release:

[1902]

This would make it one of the earliest 'black wax' cylinders wouldn't it? However, I was surprised to see the information printed at the end of the cylinder because I thought the early ones were blank on both ends. Can anyone enlighten me please?

I've posted a recording of it on my blog here:

www.fouragesofsand.com/2012/12/edward-germans-shepherds-dance-violin-solo-by-charles-d-almaine.html

Attachments:

[wagnerian]

Dear Iain,

It would appear that this was first issued in July 1902 but remained in the catalogue probably until 1912. As cylinder design evolved, such as printing titles on the end, the Edison company would have kept re-issuing the cylinder in the more up to date formats.

It is difficult to tell when that actual cylinder would have left the Edison factory but I believe, and stand to be corrected on this, that the bevelled edge and printing on the cylinders was introduced in August 1904 so your record would have been manufactured some time after that date.

All the best

Tim W-W

[iainp]

Thanks Tim,

I can see there's much more to cylinder ID and dating than I first thought,

Regards,

Iain

[maroongem]

Dec 15, 2012 10:24:54 GMT -5 iainp said:

Thanks Tim,

I can see there's much more to cylinder ID and dating than I first thought,

Regards,

Iain

Iain,

You may want to pick up Allen Koenigsberg's excellent reference book EDISON CYLINDER RECORDS, 1889-1912. It is invaluable if you want to date Edison wax records plus it is a wealth of other Edison wax cylinder info. The last printing was 1987 and a search found several places such as Amazon offering copies but they are crazy expensive.
You may wish to contact him directly at [e-mail]

Bill

[iainp]

Thanks Bill, I'll look into that. I see what you mean about "crazy expensive" though....