The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1908)

THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD. 47 INDESTRUCTIBLE CO.'S ANSWER. Issue Circular Relating to the Recent Edison Edict — Will Have Agents Throughout the Country. The Indestructible Phonographic Record Co., Albany, N. Y., have issued a circular letter, addressed "To the friends of the Indestructible Phonographic Records." In this letter it is stated that the circular sent forth by the National Phonograph Co., forbidding Edison talking machine dealers to handle any kind of a cylinder record but the Edison, was a blow aimed directly at them by the Edisou people. The circular, however, states that while some dealere will be compelled to obey the Edison dictation, and purchasers, therefore, will be unable to buy Indestructible records in various towns, in a short time they will perfect an organization which will put an Indestructible agent in every town throughout the country. panding in a most wonderful way. Denver is a splendid city, hustling and progressive, with a population of 200,000. Mind you, the building permits are a million a week, mostly dwellings, and that means a whole lot. During the recent financial flurry we were not hit so hard, and our banks stood up under the strain in the most admirable way. I have been coming to New York as a buyer for the last 30 years — February and August — and therefore I am inclined to believe I know something of general conditions. THE TRADE IN BALTIMORE. Fall Activity Apparent in "Talker" Business in Monumental City — Dealers Declare Bad Times Are Over — Columbia Co. in New and Larger Store — Good Reports from Various Houses Regarding the General Outlook. MR. OWENS AN OPTIMIST. Speaks Enthusiastically of Trade in Colorado and New Amberol Records — His Business Growing. In an interesting chat on the trade in his section, C. Owens, of the Denver (Col.) Dry Goods Co., said to The World. "It may seem strange to the trade East, but our talking machine business has increased over last year in the most substantial manner, and we certainly expect a brisk fall business. Of course, handling the Edison product exclusively, one of my main objects in my regular semi-annual trips was to ascertain the value of the new Amberol record. I am satisfied it is the 'hit' of the year, and I have instructed our Mr. Shields, the manager of the talking machine department, to double his orders. It seems to me this is just the article desired. "Of our section of the country there is no question of its basic prosperity. Colorado is ex ( Special to The Talking Macliiue World.) Baltimore, Md., Sept. 7, 1908. The first glimpse of what seems to be the longlooked-for fall activity has been apparent during the past week, according to the statements in regard to business conditions given out by the various dealers. While the entire month of August has shown fair sales, there has been a decided jump in the number of sales of machines and records during the last week. This has made the dealers decidedly happy and they are making all sorts of predictions as to what the coming season will bring forth. All of them are of the opinion that the bad times are over and that business will be on the go right along. Manager Joseph A. Grottendick, of E. P. Droop & Sons Co., has just returned from his vacation. He announces that since his return business has shown a decided improvement and he feels confident that the fall trade will be good. Both the Edison and Victor records of all descriptions have been in great demand the latter part of August and the present week. The Columbia Phonograph Co. are now occupying their new store, 204 West Lexington street. The change from 222 West Lexington street was made during last month. Manager Lyle announces that the firm have more room to handle the increasing trade in the new store, and already there has been a noticeable improvement in business. This is particularly the case with the wholesale trade, the announcement being made that an increased number of mail orders have been received recently from the South. The retail trade has also been picking up lately, and the prospects for a big fall business are very bright. Another one of the local dealers who is enthusiastic over the better conditions of business the past two weeks and the proepects for the fall trade is Manager Ansell, of Cohen & Hughes' Baltimore street store. He states that the sales the latter part of August and the first part of the present month have been very encouraging. This particularly refers to the Victor machines. The Bryan records have also been in great demand. It seems likely that the records of Taft's speeches will be bought up with the same rapidity as those of Bryan. Fred Scheller, the genial representative of the Star Phonograph & Record Co., whose headquarters are at 642 West Baltimore street, says that business is booming right along and that he is simply delighted with the fall prospects. Last month, especially the last two weeks, and the present week of September have been the banner periods in the way of sales of the Star machines. A number of good sales have been made and the demand for sentimental, comic and operatic records continues to be heavy. Similar reports as to business conditions are made by Sanders & Stayman, who handle the Victor and Columbia machines; the Kranz-Smith Piano Co., and H. R. Eisenbrandt's Sons, who are agents for the Victor. "How's the campaign getting in your section?" "Very exciting," answered the sarcastic citizen. "Next week we're to have a joint debate between a phonograph and a graphophone." Study This Illustration and figure if you cannot handle such a product ! It is a music box and a talking machine combined, but it is not a creation of ordinary quality. The Regina is the queen of music boxes, and in the Reginaphone is incorporated a motor mechanism which is unsurpassed in any talking machine yet put forth. The price at which the Reginaphone may be sold places it at once within the reach of the people of moderate means. Hence, it has money-making possibilities for the dealer which are not to be overlooked. Dealers who have placed a sample order have found a ready demand for this specialty. The Reginaphone should be in every talking machine store in the country, and it will be found to be a business-getter of large proportions. THE Manufacturers of Regina Music Boxes, Reginaphones, Reginapianos, Regina Chime Clocks, Sublima Pianos, Automatic Talking Machines and Coin Operated Instruments, Distributors of Victor Talking Machines and Edison Phonographs and Records. Main Office and Factory, RAHWAY, N. J. Broadway and 17tti Street, New YorU 259 Wabash Avenue, Chicago