BA 1547

[gramophoneshane]

I noticed last night, that my copy of this has a strange master number. It's Will Oakland's "Silver threads among the gold".
After the word "patd" there are 5 dots, then a 2, then a 0 with a line under it, and then a 7. What does this all mean? I haven't checked, but I haven't noticed any of my other cylinders with this lay-out for the master number.

[maroongem]

Shane,

The dots represent the number of takes. The number after represents the mold number. I'll have to dig my copy out and see what mine says.

Bill

[rocky]

I'll have to check mine, too! I'm sure that there were many molds made from every take, as this is probably the most common Blue Amberol in existence. Not a bad song, but definitely very old-fashioned, having limited appeal even to the ears of old record collectors. The fact that it was so popular speaks volumes about the tastes of the cylinder-buying public. The song was a classic, but seemed to resonate more with those who bought cylinders as opposed to discs.

Any comments?

;D
By the way, I find it very difficult to dance to this record! Maybe it's just me!
;D ;D ;D ;D
Rocky

[gramophoneshane]

Yes Rocky, it's one I see alot too. I also have it on 4min wax. It must have sold in huge amounts- the original million seller!! It must still be fairly popular with some of the oldies, I can remember hearing it played on"Days of our lives" back when I was married.
Looking at the numbers again on mine, Im not sure if it has an underlined 0, or is a 2 that didn't print properly. If it is 227, it's without a doubt, the highest master mould number in my collection. I think the only one I have that comes close, is another Oakland cylinder numbered 56- which still seems pretty high to me.

[maroongem]

Mine is a flat top, take 5 (man, he must have been pooped by then) mold 22.
And you're right about it being a popular song. I have several copies by different artists and venues kicking around here.
That counter-tenor voice of his tends to go right through you.

Bill

[kevan]

Shane

I have a copy by Eliz. Spencer & Cho. Pat'D ...3 BA3451.

Kevan