IP & IR Co Ltd

[phono]

Hello,

Whilst sorting my collection of cylinders, I came across one make that I'd never heard of before... IP & IR Co Ltd.

Title: "Calantha Valses"
Performer: "Band No 74" (or performed by "Band" and it's record "No 74")
Make: "IP & IR Co Ltd"

I cannot find any reference to a cylinder company called IP & IR Co Ltd on the internet and wondered if anyone could shed some light, please.

Thanks.

[wagnerian]

Dear Phono,

It's "International Phonograph and Indestructible Record Company", they were pirated recordings mostly from Edison or Edison Bell originals. The company was incorporated in 1902 and sold in 1904 to a Mr Robert Foster of Liverpool until about 1907 when it disappeared.

When your copy of "The Complete Cylinder Handbook" arrives, it has all the known issues of International Indestructible. They are of course only 2-minute cylinders.

All the best

Tim W-W

[phono]

Dear Tim,

Thank you very much indeed.

Keith Harrison's "The Ultimate Phonograph Cylinder Handbook" arrived yesterday. What a super book that you, at The City of London Phonograph and Gramophone Society Ltd., have produced! I look forward to collecting others in your Reference Series.

Best wishes,
Barry.

[wagnerian]

Dear Barry,

Thanks for your kind words. If you are interested in obscure British cylinder manufacturers then RS23 "British Cylinder Manufacturers" and RS24 "The Pirates" may be of interest. They both include a well-filled CD of rare recordings and are only a fiver each.

All the best

Tim W-W