edison cylinder values

[stickyfingers]

Hi I am A newbe and know nothing about how to determine the value of the cylinders. I am sure that condition has a lot to do with it, but what about individual songs or recordings? I just acquired about 100 of these and would like to know anything that would help me in my research - links or books or other resources. Thanks for your help.

[rocky]

Here's a few books that I've found helpful:

"Edison Blue Amberol Records, a Discography (1912-1929)," compiled by Allan Sutton.

"Edison Cylinder Records, 188-1912," by Allen Koenigsburg.
(This work lists only the brown wax and 2-minute black wax cylinders.)

The value of a cylinder depends on the condition, rarity, and demand. I would guess that the average cylinder is worth between $4.00 and $10.00, while some others are worth considerably more. Keep in mind also that there is a strong subjective element to value. Cylinders of well-known songs, such as "Come Josephine in my flying machine," recorded by Ada Jones and Billy Murray (Edison Blue Amberol #1949) will consistently sell for a large sum on Ebay-in the $50-$75 range. Christmas songs usually go high. The later cylinders, which were issued in lesser quantity, can bring in a pretty penny, especially many of the hot dance band cylinders in the 5000 series. Cylinders by well-loved vocalists, such as Billy Murray, will be more in demand than cylinders by Will Oakland. Hawaiian cylinders are not in demand.

If you are interested in buying cylinders, go first to Ebay and look over the vast array of cylinders and watch the bidding closely over a period of weeks and months. You will get a feel for value. Remember too that cylinders will sometimes sell for inflated prices on Ebay, and the same cylinders may be available cheaper at other venues.

Rocky

[rocky]

Here's a few links:

The Cylinder Preservation and Digitization Project
cylinders.library.ucsb.edu/
The site contains thousands of cylinders, most of which may be listened to and downloaded in their entirety.

The Tinfoil Resource Center
www.tinfoil.com/trc-do.htm
Lots of useful information here.


Rocky