1919 Rare Edison Diamond Disc LET US NOT FORGET Thomas Edison Speaks World War I
$
172
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Description
The Wizard of Menlo Park's voice
on one of his own records
Scarce and historic double-sided Edison Diamond Disc 78 rpm record, "Let Us Not Forget - A Message To The American People"/National Airs of the Allies (No. 50509), 1919, with the original printed descriptive sleeve. The sleeve heavily worn, with chips and edge tears (yet retaining all printed text); a few tiny chips and scratches at spindle hole on "National Airs" side of record; and a few small, very subtle scuffs (mainly to blank portions) to record surface; otherwise very good or better visual condition, with no cracks or conspicuous scratches. (Please note that, as I currently lack the proper equipment, the record has not been play-tested.) An historic sound recording representing the only commercial pressing featuring Edison's own voice. After a brief introduction by an unidentified man, Edison delivers a brief (under two minutes) but rousing message of encouragement following the Allied victory in World War I, praising both the American forces and those of the European allies ("Let us remember always that the war could not have been won if the Belgians, British, French and Italians had not fought like bulldogs. . . . The Great War will live vividly in the minds of Americans for the next century. . . .") The entire text of the address is printed on the back of the seldom-seen sleeve. The other side of the record features renditions of "La Marseillaise" (France), "God Save the King" (Great Britain), "Royal Italian March" (Italy), "La Brabanconne" (Belgium), and "The Star-Spangled Banner (U.S.)
One of the more elusive and desirable Edison Diamond Discs.
PAYMENT/SHIPPING: Successful U.S. bidder pays for carefully packed and insured Media shipping (international bidders: inquire for rates); PayPal. Please see my other auctions for rare and vintage books, historical and advertising ephemera, photos, artwork, and mid-century design.
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