Vulcan Brown Wax Era Recordings
A selection of standard 2-minute records, produced in our robust plastic material, 
in a finish and style similar to an original early brown wax record (1890 – 1901). These are transferred at a similar level of volume and at the same recording speed as the originals (varying from 120rpm to 144rpm). This makes them Ideal for owners of early machines and suitable for listening through ear tubes as well as via an external horn and on later models.
501 A Trip To China Town - 2-minute £45.00
The Edison Grand Symphony Orchestra, Lancers with figures called.
This record was originally recorded in the 1896-1899 period, and intended for dancing parties, although it is unlikely that the modest volume of these earlier records and the machines that played them would have competed well with a room full of vigorous dancers.
The original record is clear and clean and contains a number of interesting oriental effects - an interesting piece of sound history.
502 Why should I keep from Whistling?
John Yorke Atlee, baritone and whistling, with piano accompaniment by Professor F. Gaisberg.
This was originally recorded for the Columbia Company sometime in 1893 or early 1894, after the Company had established itself in a large building on Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington. The announcement of the record acknowledges the presence on the ground floor of the building of a large nickel-in-the-slot phonograph parlour.
What makes the record even more significant than its early date is the identity of the accompanist, styled as Professor F. Gaisberg. This is of course part of the early recording studio career of Fred Gaisberg who moved on to work with Emile Berliner at The Gramophone Company and from there travelled to Europe and is most obviously famous for being the man who recorded Caruso in Milan in 1902. He retired in 1939 but continued to work as a consultant for The Gramophone Company right up until his death in 1951.
He was seventeen when this recording was made.
503 Sleigh Ride Party
The Greater New York Quartette
Columbia Brown Wax Cylinder 9040, 1898
This is a delightful Christmas sketch which includes that old favourite, Jingle Bells, as the company take a sleigh ride to the local hostelry.
Jingle Bells was written by James Lord Pierrepont in 1850 and had already become a popular favourite by the time this cylinder was recorded. It includes the lesser known second verse, the words of which are included here:
