Interview courtesy of the Ephemera Blog, Marty Weil’s great information resource on ephemera collecting and collectors, and a member of our Hall of Fame.
Ted Staunton was born in England, but now lives an active retired lifestyle in Vancouver, Canada. Ted has an outstanding collection of 78 rpm record labels. We talked about his collection, how he got started, and what excites him about the hobby during this recent telephone interview.
Q: When did you become interested in collecting 78 rpm record labels?
A: My interest in 78 rpm labels grew out of another hobby, that of singing in a barbershop quartet. Listening to the sounds of quartets from the long-distant past led me into searching for their original 78 rpm recordings, beginning in the late 1990s. Being a typographic designer by profession, with a passionate interest in history, I soon began to appreciate the wide variety of designs to be found on 78 rpm record labels, and to broaden my collection to include them. By 2002, I decided I had enough to launch a website.
Q. (Weil/ephemera): What challenges or obstacles do you encounter in collecting? How do you overcome these challenges?
A. (Staunton): Collecting 78 rpm records is great fun, and it’s easy to do. There’s a kick in finding something up that’s up to 100 years old for just a dollar or two–knowing it’s worth perhaps 20, 30, or 50 times that much–and bringing history to life by playing it.
That said, there are obstacles to be overcome. To start with, one needs a 78 rpm speed record player. Hand-cranked antique Victrolas are usually in the $400-plus range, while most modern electric motor-driven record players only operate at 45 or 33 1/3 rpm.
Also, it can be hard to find antique or collectible stores with a decent stock of records. Most don’t want to be bothered with 78s because they’re a low-profit item, both heavy and fragile. Good junk stores seem to be on the decline in urban areas because of the rise in property values, so you have to look more toward suburban areas and small towns. Thrift shops are on the increase, but I’ve never found anything of outstanding value in them. One has to be persistent in searching anywhere and everywhere.
I sometimes buy records for the music rather than the label, like rural acoustic Delta blues and early Dixieland jazz, but it’s very thin on the ground. It’s often available on eBay, but then you’re usually into a time-sensitive bidding war, and losing out at the last minute on something you really wanted can be frustrating. Besides, postage charges are extra, so if you’re outside the U.S., that’s an additional $10 or $15 on top of each winning purchase. Of course, that’s cheaper than spending money on gas, but there’s more of a thrill in finding something special when you’ve gone out there and paid your dues by really searching.
Q. (Weil/ephemera): Yeah, I agree, the hunt can be very pleasurable, especially when it yields a real treasure. What are your favorite items in your collection, and how do they inspire you?
A. (Staunton): The record labels I like to find are those from the acoustic era (before 1925), when sound was recorded through a single large horn instead of through electric microphones. The curious Fadas label reminds me of that process. In the first 20 years of the recording industry, Victor and Columbia exercised almost complete control over the U.S. market, while in Europe there was a more open, competitive market, and therefore, much more variety in the number and style of labels. I like those featuring a large illustration, because so much of the period flavor comes out in them. (See the Beka and Era labels.) Generally, if I see the word Record in the label name, then I know it’s going to be probably pre-WWI, possibly quite rare, and worth collecting.
Q. (Weil/ephemera): What’s your advice for achieving success as a collector?
A. (Staunton): In my opinion, achieving success as a collector means occasionally finding something that is of both sentimental and monetary value. It takes an equal amount of effort and luck. I haven’t been at it long enough myself to describe myself as really successful. Outstanding collectors have usually been at it for a very long time, single-minded devoting many hours to mastering every detail of their particular field of interest. Recognizing that I already have an addictive personality, I try to keep things in perspective. The collecting obsession can easily get out of hand and the more important things in life, like health and family, can sometimes become secondary. Then success has really become failure.
Q. (Weil/ephemera): What resources do you recommend?
A. (Staunton): The references I consider invaluable are American Record Labels & Companies: An Encyclopedia (1891-1943)
As far as storage goes, most 78s don’t come with a protective sleeve. I bought a supply of plain ones and keep the records in them, stored on edge in heavy-duty plastic milk crates. They’re kept on a rack in my basement, which is cool and dry. They have to be kept away from direct heat, especially sunlight, or they’ll warp. I keep them indexed as on my website, first by decade and then alphabetically. When I first started collecting, I used to fastidiously clean each record with a damp cloth, but now I don’t, since I learned water and detergent can damage the shellac coating. I don’t play them much anyway; I just hoard them, and gloat over them.
Q. (Weil/ephemera): It’s a pleasure to see these great old 78 labels. Thanks for sharing your expertise on the subject, Ted.
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Hi…I too have an addiction to records in general, but 78 rpm records are my favorite. I currently have about 15,000 records of various types and I inventory them so that I know exactly what I have at a glance. I find that it can be time consuming and I get a great amount of satisfaction from organizing and listening to them. I am considering a laser record player, but the cost is prohibitive. This website is great and I appreciate the effort made to make it available. Best Regards, Larry Daken.
I have lots of 78s if you are interested please let me know.
Thanks
I have some 78 recordings that appear to be made of glass.I have been advised that glass was used during World War 2 when there was a shortage of shellac.
Are there any collectors interested in these?
Your advise will be much appreciated.
.
I have several (4 cartons) 78’s? Single and double sided as well as opera sets. Dates range from 1920 to 1955? Caruso, Tex Williams,Pablo Casals,Harry Lauder, etc. Mostly classic, some popular.I have a list of all but in the middle of reviewing & verifying.
Are you interested or know of anyone who might be. thanks
Dear Mr. Weil,
I was pleased to find your article on ’78 records and references on line.
My step father passed away a year ago, and he was a classical musician and fanatical collector of 78 records since he was discharged from his WW11 service.
His old house is literally packed floor to ceiling w/ these records – ball park 6 to 10,000 of them. He has them all in sleeves and they are stored in oak crates he built especially for them. (My objective is to basically find a good home for them so he can rest in peace. It would be nice to make some cash to give to my Mother too, as she could really use it.)
I know what I do not know, and knowing a record value is not my strength. After doing a little research, apparently I should take the time to go through these records and catalogue them…get a basic idea of value before taking them to auction? (My step father knew exactly what he had, and where he had it committed to memory. I have yet to find any written system of order.)
I heard him play many of these records on his phonographs, and I know he especially enjoyed jazz, blues, and classical music. These records were of value to him for their musical artistry, as music was a part of his life EVERY day. He would listen to them and then play the same song on his piano or guitar…almost up until the day he died.
Please share with me if this is the proper course of action Sir.
Regards Sir,
Coach Eckler
I have a cab callaway recording of “minnie the mocher” on 78rpm and about 300 more 78’s looking to sell them all. Is there any one interested let me know within ten days of posting June 25, 2008.
I have 1.5 boxes of 78’s that I recently picked up at an estate sale. How do I tell if any of them are valuable – and is anyone interested in buying them? please email me asap if you can give me any useful info or are interested in buying them. Thanks! leesierre@yahoo.com
My Grandfather used to collect old 78 records. They are sitting in my mother’s basement. If anyone is interested in them please email me.
I have a number of 78’s that I got from a music teacher. They include the Metropolitan Orchestra performing the best loved Strauss Waltzes, plus the Victor Musical Smart Set of Favorite Love Songs, featuring Frank Munn, Tenor with Orchestra. Any interest in them? What might they be worth? Thanks.
I have various Victor and Columbia sets of 78’s that were my parents. Beethoven, Mozart, etc. Is there any value? Anyone interested?
Hello,
I have a collection of Japanese 78s that are made in Japan under a variety
of labels such as Columbia,Victor, King, Teitiku, Angel,Regal and Miyagi.
Are these familiar to you and if so would you point me in a direction where I might find more facts about this niche.
Thank you for your time!
Jay
Dear Mr. Weil:
I read the Coach Eckler comments and I think Im in a similar situation.
I inherited my father’s Italian opera record collection. It also contained
my grandfather’s collection. Thus, I dont have a free second anymore to
do anything but focus on the 1000’s of 78’s 33’s 45’s cassttes, and cd’s.
The same stuff on the 78’s follows through up to today. OVERWHELMED is an understatement. I am having trouble going in circles to find a good option.
I have real good stuff from the turn of Century. Is there a reputable
person that would help me sell them. ( I also have guilt & may want to keep
them but where as many are in mint plus you can follow along w the librettos? Thank you, for reading my note.
Jim
I am a portuguese collector looking for 78s of portuguese singers that have recorded in USA. There names have been listed in Spotswood Book. If someone have records and want to sell them, please contac me at info@tradisom.com.
I am working in a ptoject which aims is to study those singers and give the opportunity to the new generations to listen their voices.
I´ll be very gld if I can find records from names like Maurizio Bensaude, Manuel J. Carvalho, Alice Pancada and many others. I can send a complete list of the names for anybody that gets in touch with me.
Mr. Weil,
or anybody out there.
Can someone tell me WHEN the very first 78 rpm record was made?
Thanks,
Bill
Hi,
I’m looking for the foowing Blue Note 78rpms.
BN 530 Jimmy Shirley – Jimmy’s Blues c/w T-Bone Walker – T-Bone Blues $25 +sh.
BN 534 Babs’ Three Bips and a Bop – Oop-Pop-A-Da c/w Stomping at the Savoy $25 + sh.
BN 556 James Moody – Workshop c/w Moody’s All Frantic $25 + sh.
BN 557 Howard McGhee – Double Talk, Pt. 1&2 $25 + sh.
BN 559 Tadd Dameron – Jahbero c/w Lady Bird $25 + sh.
BN 564 Bunk Johnson, Sidney Bechet – Milenberg Joys c/w Days Beyond Recall $300 + sh
BN 565 Bunk Johnson, Sidney Bechet – Lord, Let Me in the Lifeboat c/w Up in Sidney’s Flat $300 + sh
Emails to: petermontijn at yahoo.com
Hello Everyone,
My dad’s lady friend has hundreds of opra records by Caruso (and many other) that her husband collected. Her husband also keep a scrapbook all about Caruso. She would love to just give them away to anyone that would love them like her husband loved them.
So if anyone is interested please email me at kwedyke@yahoo.com
Thank you,
Kathy Wedyke
i have the first recording of lydia mendoza on a 78 rpm
on blue bird label. any ideal what its worth
Dear Ted, thank you for answering my e-mail about vintage 20 and 30’s 78 records. I will write down the information you want from me on them.
The label artist serial number and song on both sides. I appreciate it very much putting them on your websight. It will take me a couple of weeks to get them all done. I would appreciate it if I had your e-mail address or an address to which to mail them. I live 25 miles north of Pittsburgh Pa. I would appreciate any other information. I am in my seventys and have no use for these. My children have no interest in past music which I feel was enjoyable.
I have a very old looking box of 78 rpm records.
They are Columbia Double Disc Rcords. The most current date I can find refers to patents pending of which the most current is 1909. They are made by the American Graphophone Co. I originally thought they were Czech or Polish and I would donate them to our local Czech organization however as I played them they seem to be more of a semi classical nauture and instrumental. One record label is : Columbia Record Grand Prize Paris 1900; St. Louis 1904 Milan 1906; Ceske Bohemian Bretislav Pochod Ceska Selera Kapela E1263 (67166).
There are other notes but they may not be important for passing on.
Are you familiar with any of this information from you own collection history. Would appreciate hearing fron you before I move on with donating or whatever.
The box I have has about 50 records-all 78 rpms. They are very think and I suppose abut 100 years old but not sure.
I have about eighty 78’s. most of them RCA, several opera singers, including Lawrence Tibbett and Caruso, along with LONDON 238 Primo Scala’S Banjo and Accordian Orchestra and Harmony 367-H, University Six. I am interested in selling these. Anyone know who is interestd.
I live near Chicago.
Thanks
hello
i have some berliner Gram O-Phone CO records of Montreal , All Star Trio Fox Trot , 2 – Ben Hokea Players ,Waldorf-Astoria Orchestra ,2 – Vanderbilt Hotel Orchestra , Harry Thomas Trio ,Henry Burr , Kate Ibey His Masters Voice Orchestra , Clyde Doerr and h9is Orchestra , if interested let me know
Thanks
will be in vancouver monday august 3 or the 4
I am preparing a lecture on Egyptomania for Labor Day weekend, focusing on the Egyptomania songs of 1900-1925, and am desperately trying to find the following recordings in time. I don’t need the original disks; just some playable (preferable digitized) copy. I’ve listed the songs as recorded by singers I have identified. But any other vocalists will do. The songs are are:
“Cleopatra Finnegan” – Victor Orchestra with Edward M. Favor
“Cleopatra” from “Sinbad” at the Winter Garden performed by Arthur Collins
“Mummy Mine” sung by Vernon Dalhart
“Old King Tut was a Wise Old Nut” sung by Leo Fitzgerald on the Kansas City Nighthawks Radio Hour
“Cleopatra Had a Jazz Band” sung by either Marion Harris or Sam Ash
Anyone with information, please contact me at jlylesegal@aol.com. Thanks! Jeff
P.S. My presentation is to the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles during their Art Deco Weekend aboard the Queen Mary, which is permanently docked in Long Beach, CA.
I have several boxes of 78rpm records by Columbia and Victor. There are few odd names like Emerson, Cameo, Aeolian Company. All of them are in selves that are crumbling. The selves are all in a big brown manual notebook that has the dog sitting next to phonographer, “The Master’s Voice” written on it.
Some records seems to be thicker than others. They all have some kind of number like 10203, 35373-A, A662. dates noted on records, 1900, 1901, 1902, 1906 etc..
The records are my husband which he brought then from Ohio where his parents lived in the early 1900s. I believe most of these records belonged to his parents. He mentioned that the town he lived had great bands, jazz musician like Louis Armstrong every weekend during the summer.
Is anyone interested in these old records and how much are they worth, if any? They all seem to be in great condition even though they are in yellowish paper selves with manual falling apart. Thanks Diana and John
I have recently found a 78rpm record in my late Father’s collection on the Currys label, any one know anything about them ?
Thanks
Bob C
I am a VERY serious collector of 78rpm records! In fact, I currently own about 56,000 of them…as well, I am the author/compiler of a reference book mentioned in the initial message (“The (Almost) Complete 78rpm Record Dating Guide!”). I store my “half-vast” archive in “milk boxes.”
Now, a few answers to thoughts above…
Per ALL the questions…there isa VERY active e-mail list concerned with
“78’s” and their collecting…the “78-L” e-mail list. Placing your messages and questions on this list should give you all the information
you are seeking!
Now, “78’s” are NOT extremely valuable…their prices run around $1 each
(and have for decades!) The best ways to play play them are either on
modern turntables which have the 78 speed (these are still sold, BTW!) or
on vintage “record players” which have three or four speeds INCLUDING
78! Note that 78’s have grooves about 3 or 4 times as wide as modern LP’s
and 45’s! In fact, companies like Crosley still sell 78-capable turntables but they often DO NOT have the necessary larger needles toplay 78’s!
#15: Emile Berliner invented lateral-cut records; he first sold them as toys/novelties around the end of 1889…and continued to sell them for about 10 more years. He was involved in complicated legal battles in those last years…he wound up moving to Montreal, Canada and sold his records
from there. His company eventually evolved into Victor Talking Machine
Company; it shared patents with the Columbia Graphophone Company, but NOT
with any other record manufacturers. The vital patents expired in 1919, so that other companies could (and DID) manufacture 78rpm records!
Also, the dates seen on old record labels are PATENT dates, which have NO relation to dates of manufacture!
I can be contacted at stevenc@interlinks.net and I would be happy to author a piece about 78rpm phonorecords!
I am a musician specializing in popular songs written between the 1890’s-1930’s (Tin Pan Alley/jazz/Blues/etc)…If there are peole reading this whio have thse kinds of records and want to give them a good home, I am all ears! Feel free to contact me at craigventresco@gmail.com
I have a modest collection of a few hundred 78’s from the twenties thru the forties, and I have run out of storage space. Does anyone know where I could get some paper sleeves and the old-type album books for 10″ 78’s?
I have 2 milkcrates full of 78s, all of them prewar blues, some postwar blues, and then Carter Family and Louis Armstrong 78s.. The old Blues ones are my favorites… Blind Willie JOhnson, Tommy McClennan, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Peetie Wheatstraw, and Lightnin Hopkins among others. I hardly play them, but when I do, me and my 3 kids sing or dance to them. It is the hunt that is so frustratingly slow, yet it is is so satisfying to find truly rare blues 78s in a pile of sammy kaye and kay kyser and his orchestra, when it does happen.
I enjoyed the interview where Ted STaunton says “I used to wipe them and clean them, but now i just leave them as is, and like to hoard them….
lol
Steveo
I have a Alice’s Adventrues in Wonderland read and sung by Cyril Ritchard. They are 78rpm complete,in original box, prestine Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. I was wondering if it was valuable. I appreciate your answer. I have other 78rpm in albums that I am also trying to find out about. This was published by Crown Publishers,Inc. NY exclusively. Any help will be appreciated. Thank you, Sandra
Hi, I am a 78 rpm collector from Belgium I do have about 16.000 of those records. I collect mainly opera before 1925, Jazz & Blues from the beginning, R&B , doowop and Rock and Roll from the fifties.
Wax cilinders,and everything with a connection to recorded music ( books, sheet music aso aso….)
I have a collection of “Unique Opera Records” That say; “Private record NOT FOR SALE” Some of them are blue vinyl. Any help pricing them would be VERY helpful.
Thanks Janet
I have in my posession a Cesar Franck MASTERWORKS.Symphony in D minor,eleven parts on six records.This is a Columbia production.They are in excellent condition and still in the original hardback album.Is it possible you could place a value on them,and where best to realise and achieve that goal.Thanks for taking time to read this,yours gratefully john Southern.
This was a really insightful interview, thanks for posting it and I look forward to seeing more.
I have in my possession a 1949 Columbia album “”Puccini: Madame Butterfly (complete opera)A Metropolitan Opera Association Production, with “eleanor steber, richard tucker and giuseppe valdengo”. My recently deceased wife brought this album into our marriage, from a prior marriage. The overall condition of the jacket and LP’s are “fair”. Does anyone have an educated opinion of its worth? Thanks so very much. Don
My Mom recently gave me a (I bekieve) a 1890=s box set of Beethoven’s complete box-set symphony of allf his numbered symphony she was given by MY Grandmother long ago. It has been sitting in my closet for over 40 yr’s and in my Mom’s closet (and grandma’s) : all told for about about 90 years; it’s conducter was Atoro Tusscanini (sp?) It hasn’t been played since given to me as a young teenager for at least 30 years. I’d love to sell it but want to clean it up a bit first. I’ve aquired the finest new jackets for them and would like to clean them up and put the new paper jkt’s on each. I need some good advise on the best way to clean them up a bit and remove dust, etc. I had a responce from this site but cannot seem to find it. Can anyone please give me some advise hoe to clean them up a little as it looks so old & musty now. The last time I played these as a child there was a minor skip on a place or 2 on his 5th sypmphony – i’m hoping due to dust. This box set is so old and rare I want to do as much as I can to present it as it’s best and hope to fix any problems due to dust . I’d appreciate as much help & opinions as possible as this set deserves all the best I can do for it; what a treasure! Thanks for ANY HELP. GOD bless and stay safe. Fondly, ElyseDe
I’ve Been Collecting Doo-Wop R&B,And Blues 78’s Since I Was About 9 Years Old,I’m 33 Now,And Have Abot 15,000 In My Collection.It Does Get Very Addicting,And Has Actually Caused A Issue In My Marriage,My Wife Says There Should Be A Record Collectors Annonymous,I Said,There Is,Its Called RCA,lol
i am going to ask a question ,,i have around 20 thousand records from 78s to long play some are very rare ..and all so about a thousand tape reels 7 and 5 inch ,,some 78s are on metal,,i do have a few early cartoon recordings as well .as u know its hard to tell how much to pay for the 78s now days ,,as i buy them still from second hand shops around the place the most i give is around a $1 each for them ..could tell me how would i be able to get them valuated ..as most of the long plays are in good condition ..theres a lot of ex radio station material there too ..thank you if u can help me regards charlie
To whom it may concern,
I have about 85 vitorola, victor, and columbia records from early 1900’s that were my Grandmother’s aunt. She brought them to Buffalo,NY from PA in the early 1940’s. I am looking to unload these to a collector or someone who really appreciates them. Some I am sure are more valuable then others. My dad has more boxes of these types of records. I have’nt come across the rest of them yet though. I also have a oriole record dated 1871. Does anyone know about these. It says made in the US.
I have an excellent original 1934 78rpm recording of Mozart’s Mariage of figaro. k-492 Glyndebourne Festival Fritz Busch conducting can you give me a ballpark value price?
Just inherited my grandfathers collection of 78’s.Looking for a buyer,probably hundred maybe more.Era is I’m guessing 1920’s,maybe even a few before that a few are one sided.Have no clue what I’m doing but looking for someone who would enjoy them and give them a good home..Any help greatly appreciated. Thanks in kind, Bill Cable
Hello, I have a couple of 78 records that I am having a very hard time finding out any info on. One is a Columbia record, it says Columbia Graphophone Co. It says grand prize Paris 1900, St Louis, 1904 and Milan 1906. There are several pat numbers starting in 1902 and ending in 1909. On one side it is the song Old Comrades, played by the Columbia Band. On the other side is It’s a long long way to Tipperary, sung by Stanley Kirkby. The other record is a Victor record, awarded 1st prize Buffalo, St Louis and Portland expositions. It says Victor talking machine. One side has Temptation Rag Medley ; Temptation Rag, Shaky Eyes, Come be my sunshine dearie. Done by the Arthur Pryor’s Band. The other side is Turtledove Polka, done by Mose Tapiero with orchestra. It is dated 1910 with patents starting 1895 -1908. I am not a record collector but I am wondering if these are special, or have a value. I would appreciate any information very much. Thank you
Hi there, i have a couple of old 78 records i am having trouble finding out what they are or if they have any value. Two of them say unique opera records, lohengrin with (wagner) underneath. At the bottom they say private record not for sale, with a date of 1937. I believe they are from the met. opera. The other two say louise on top, sir thomas beecham on the bottom, no date but on plain sleeve they are in it is written in magic marker 1/15/43. Your help would be greatly appreciated, thankyou!!
Hi, I have several of what I guess are 78’s, but are very large, as in LP’s. They are from the Metropolitan opera, sung in Italian. Madame Butterfly, in addition to other famous operas. Most are RCA black labels but some are red or blue. I think they are from 1908. Most are recorded on both sides, but two of them are recorded on only one side. They are in sleeves, in an album. I would like to know the value. Will describe further if anyone is interested. I also have another album of normal sized 78’s, mostly pop music, I think, Danny Kaye, etc.
I have in my possession a 1949 Columbia album “”Puccini: Madame Butterfly (complete opera)A Metropolitan Opera Association Production, with “eleanor steber, richard tucker and giuseppe valdengo”. The overall condition of the jacket and LP’s are “good”. Does anyone have an educated opinion of its worth? Thanks so very much.
Paul III
There are practically no 78rpm records worth more than $5 with the exception of discs made before 1905. The truth is that there are millions of these old records in attics and garages across America but only a handful of collectors interested in buying them. It’s basic Supply & Demand. The only way to possibly make any money (based upon my experience) is to organize the records by artist, theme and manufacturer, etc. Then group them together in lots of 5 or 10 and list them on eBay. Of course listing on eBay doesn’t mean a guaranteed sale. You still need your records to be easily found by using key words in the isting title. A few specialities that may sell better than others are: Uncle Josh Comical Stories, Religious music or Ragtime songs. Music of notables like Enrico Caruso, Billy Murray, Collins & Harlan can also bring three or four dollars each if in good, clean condition. It may require more work than you are willing to invest just make $3 here and $1 there. For those wanting to simply get rid of large collections, say 1000+ records every imaginable label, condition and content. Collectors I know pay anywhere from 10 cents to 25 cents for huge accumulations. Sorry if I sound negative. I LOVE collecting 78’s. I specialize in Victor Talking Machine Records made before 1908 because the music and talking records of those earliest days of recorded sound bring to life the simple, humorous, naive and experimental nature of the people of another century. I say, if you can’t grow to love them yourself, organize them and list them creatively on eBay. If that’s too much effort drag them to your local flea market and take whatever you are offered and be done with it. What ever you decide to do make it fun!
I have 12 boxed sets (3-6 albums ea.) of 78’s, most labels from Victor or Columbia Masterworks. No dates but they appear to be from the 1940’s. Artists: Rachmaninoff, Mendelssohn, Weber, Grieg, Brahms, Bruch, Tchaikovsky, Liszt, etc. One record appears to be odd and has this Columbia label: c1906 Piano Forte Solo by Josef Hofmann, Marche Militaire. JH signature is on the album itself. Across the label: Grand Prize Milan 1906, St Louis 1904, Paris 1900. Any info on these is greatly appreciated!