Edison Diamond Disc 80020 in Presentation Box

$

202

Up for auction is a rare Edison Record (prior to them being called Diamond Discs).  Prior to the October 1913 announcement of the new Edison Disc Records they had been pressing small quantities as samples to dealers and jobbers, sometimes in quantities in the dozens.  These records in 1912 and 1913 were sent out in elaborate presentation boxes.  The green ones (which this one is a sample of) were for the 80,000 series and the blues ones (one for sale in another auction) were for the 82,000 and 82,500 series.  The first ones had a plain interior with a square notice/patent sticker, which this is an example.  Later they were flocked on the inside. The song name, composer and a description of the song are written on the front. It was a practice of Edison not to use artist names on his records until a couple years later.  In this case someone, long ago, wrote the name of the artist for the first song.  Once the records were being sent out commercially in October 1913 the boxes were no longer used.  Some of records in these boxes were pairings that were never used together commercially.  So these boxes are extremely rare.  This one comes with the original record as evidenced by the matrix numbers, which are a mirror image.

80020-R Ambo Nati In Questa Valle  from Opera Linda di Chamounix by Giovanni Polese  matrix # 987-3 (matrix is a mirror image)

80020-L Genius Loci  by "String Band"  I have this listed elsewhere as "American."  matrix # 1263-1 (matrix is a mirror image)

Condition:  E    The only flaw on this record is a small white line you can see in the picture about 2/3 of the way through and appears to be a minor manufacturing defect.  It causes a light tick for about 8-9 revolutions.  Otherwise the record is a solid E.

This is truly a piece of Edison history and very few of them come up for sale.

The box is in great condition.  It retains a small bit of the tie these came with to keep them closed.  I also show the back of the box to show that in 3 areas the edges have worn.

This can be delivered to Wayne, NJ show on October 11th to avoid shipping.

Please see my other record auctions including one more Edison in a presentation box, Greek 78s and Columbia Test Pressings.  I will combine on shipping.  International buyers please inquire about shipping costs.

Being a record collector and occassional seller I know how to pack 78s to arrive safely.  Please ask questions.  Thanks for looking.

Record Grading:

E = Bright and shiny, no scuffs or scratches.  Looks new but has been played

E- = Still bright and shiny, shows some signs of handling but nothing that would create extra noise during playback.

VG++ = Showing a little more sign of wear, maybe a few light scuffs or minor scratches but nothing that would create extra noise during playback.

VG+ = Shows signs of wear with some scuffs and minor scratches.  Nothing that would create noticeable loud ticks during playback but will play with some background noise.

VG = This is a well played record with minor scuffs, scratches and maybe even some graying in areas.  However, the record still plays well and can be enjoyed.

VG - = Begins to have scratches that make the record quite noisy on playback and have noticeable ticks from scratches.

G = This is a record that, for some, can still be enjoyed until a better copy comes along.  Lots of scratches, may even make the record skip.  Possible hair line fracture. Likely this grade of record will only be listed if it’s a rarer record where the content or label is highly collectable.