Edison Diamond Discs were a proprietary disc immediately following on from the Edison cylinders
Production began in 1912 and finished around 1920 - it was a pretty short lived product.
This record is offered for historical purposes, it is unlikely the content will excite many!
Thomas Edison was a brilliant inventor but he also carefully controlled the musical content on the Edison releases. Most of the material released was pretty ordinary and not of significant musical interest.
Edison Diamond Disc
Matrix code (etched) 3739-A-3 71, 3891-H-14-5
These codes relate to the master and stampers used in production
There is NO catalogue number marked on the label
The label is part of the disc, not a paper label - it is also extremely hard to read due to light reflections. This label type is often referred to as an Edison Type B label.
There is a photographic portrait of Thomas Edison within a shield border. On the right of the spindle hole is another shield with the words
This patented record is sold by Thomas A. Edison Inc., Orange, N.J., subject to restrictions printed on container in which it is put out by this Company
Thomas Edison's signature is below the word EDISON.
There are three dimples equidistant on the perimeter of the label.
Disc diameter: 246mm
Disc thickness: 6mm
The disc thickness is the easiest way to spot an Edison Diamond Disc, they are much thicker than other records of the day.
Vertically recorded disc and incompatible with non-Edison Diamond Disc Phonographs
NEVER ATTEMPT TO PLAY THIS RECORD ON A "STANDARD" PHONOGRAPH FROM OTHER MAKERS - the steel needle combined with the narrow width of the Diamond Disc groove will be certain to destroy your Diamond Disc and the sound will be extremely low level because of the different recording method on these discs.
Edison Diamond Disc's got their name from the machine which Edison produced using a diamond conical tip - unlike most other makers who used a steel needle.
COSMETIC CONDITION:
Good condition with regard to its age. Carefully cleaned with a dilute iso alcohol solution (never do this with a shellac record though) ensuring the disc does not get "wet" as the body of the disc is made from a wood compound.
NO cracks
A few small "chunks" from the outer edge only - these do not interfere with the lead in area.
Surface is clean and has a light gloss
PLAYBACK:
I have no suitable equipment to play this Diamond Disc, certainly nothing running at 80rpm. So this record remains unplayed.
Since we obtained this disc many years ago it has been stored between a "sandwich" of stiff cardboard and then sealed in a plastic bag to maintain its current condition - I broke the seal only to take the photographs and then had it resealed again.
