The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1908)

42 THE TALKING MACfflNE WORLD. been involved in the great number of patents which mark every step. The other day reminiscences of this liind were in order, and then it was related how Jesse H. Lippincott, who undertook to market the first phonograph — the old wax record — had paid $800,000 cash for the privilege, organizing the North American Phonograph Co. — of litigious memory — for the purpose. The first machine was taken to Washington, D. C, to be patented, and that inside of fifteen days it was altered as many times before the papers were finally issued. In the meantime Lippincott was in New York in a frenzy of impatience waiting for the patent, with men clamoring for selling territory and eager to pay over the money on the spot, but no title could be conveyed until the device had been patented. After this difilculty was overcome then everybody started in to make money. For a number of years the shellac market was in a panicky condition, owing to the scarcity of raw material. The crop in India, where the gum grows, had been practically destroyed by a parasitic insect. It takes quite three years for the trees upon which shellac grows to be renewed, and it is possible this period has finally been passed, as the price has fallen to a reasonable figure. As shellac forms the greater proportion of the material used in disc records, this meant a great deal to the record manufacturers, and at times caused no little uneasiness to them. Appreciation should be a stimulant, not a sedative. A well-balanced man will not be spoiled by words of praise. If told he has talent, he will not cease work. There is a fatal lack in the character which is spoiled instead of inspired by appreciation. To American Dealers: HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO SECURE TRADE WINNERS If you desire a splendid line of talking machines which challenge any on the American market so far as tone, quality and finish are concerned, investigate THE KLINGSOR MACHINES. They are made in a variety of models and are especially adapted for export trade. We have just issued a superb catalogue, showing the various styles which we manufacture and this will be mailed free upon application to any name, to any part of the world. The "KLINGSOR " is an original talking machine, for which patents have been issued in America. The case designs are unique and striking. They will attract attention in any wareroom. The scientific combination of the strings with double sounding board enhances the natural tone. Disc records of any size or make can be used on the "KLINGSOR " machine, some of which are fitted with coinoperating attachments. This Is a marvelous product, original In every way, anil American dealers who desire somethlnii absolutely striking and In every way a quick seller, should lose no time In communicating with us. H. LANGE'S Successors, KSTAm.I.SHKI) IHSI 21 Little Portland St., Oxford Circus, LONDON, W., ENG. CAN ONLY HANDLE VICTOR GOODS. Victor Talking Machine Co. Issue Notice to Distributors to the Above Effect This Week — Zonophone Products Only Exception. The Victor Tallcing Macliine Co., Camden, N. J., have notified their distributers that hereafter only the Victor line can be handled by them, excepting goods made by the Universal Talking Machine Co., Newark, N. J. The circular letter received by the trade Monday is as follows: "Important Announcement — To all Victor Distributers: We beg to notify you that on and after this date, Oct. 15, 1908, we will refuse to fill orders for Victor talking machines, records and other Victor supplies, patented under our patents, from distributers handling other lines of disc talking machines and disc records, excepting such other second-handed machines as may have been taken in trade in part payment for said Victor talking machines. "This is not meant to preclude the sale or disposition of such other disc talking machines and disc records as may be at this moment in the stock of distributers, but any further purchases on and after this date of other disc machines and records, excepting only those of the Universal Talking Machine Mfg. Co., a licensee (manufacturers of Zonophone disc talking machines and records), will cause the immediate withdrawal of all distributers' discounts and privileges under the contract." A letter of instructions, goiiig into the details of the foregoing announcement, and the reasons why the company have taken this step, accompanied the above. It is of some length. The National Phonograph Co., Orange, N. J., had already notified their jobbers to the same effect regarding Edison goods, and which went into force Oct. 1, excepting where extensions were specially made. RECORDS SHOULD BE CLEAN. Importance of Cleaning Record Surfaces Explained by J. Newcomb Blackman. The aim of the record manufacturer has been to produce a record that would give the best reproduction with the least friction and wear, in order to insure the life of the record. Disc records are made of a material to withstand the wear and tear of the needle, and at the same time insure a smooth surface. Although a sapphire point is used with cylinder records, the record is of softer material than the disc, so that the friction is probably very much in the same proportion. Dirt and dust on the surface of either a disc or cylinder record acts as a grinding material and seriously affects the reproduction. In the case of the new Edison Amberol record the threads and the sound engravings are so fine that the importance of an absolutely clean surface to avoid this friction is apparent. To automatically insure this, Mr. Blackman recommends the use of the Place Automatic Record Brush, which is described and illustrated in the Blackman Co.'s advertisement on page 24 of this issue. SUED FOR VIOLATING CONTRACTS. National Phonograph Co. Obtain Preliminary Injunction Against V\/right & Metzler — Final Decree Against Gent & Eagen — Business Agreements Must be Lived Up to. The National Phonograph Co., Orange, N. J., liave recently obtained a preliminary injunction from the United States Circuit Court, western district of Pennsylvania, against Wright & Metzler, Connellsville, Pa.. who are charged with Infringing patents No. 782,375 and 708, •178. The defendants are enjoined "from soiling or advertising for sale Edison phonogi aptis or parts thereof, records or blanks, at less than current list prices, or violating in any manner whatsoever their license agreements of December G, 1905, and October 26, 1907." A final decree was also Issued by the same court, October 13, against Gent & Eagen, Oil City, Pa., for violating the selling system of the National Phonograph Co. In this case the defendants were not authorized or signed Edison dealers, and they claimed to have obtained the goods without notice of the restrictions. The company waived an accounting and the defendants consented to a final decree and perpetual injunction. The defense, however, were assessed the costs and disbursements of the complainants in bringing the suit. VICTOR VS. LEEDS & CATnU SUIT. Two cases of the Victor Talking Machine Co , Camden, N. J., against the Leeds & Catlin Co., New York, that were on the calendar of the United States Circuit Court, southern district of New York, before Judge Hazel, in which the method for attaching labels to disc records was at issue and up for a hearing on a demurrer, have been changed, according to the attorney for the defense. The patent covering the process is owned by the Victor Co., and they have discontinued one suit. The other will be argued at the next ses' sion of the court. There was once a man who didn't advertise— said it was a waste of money, for everybody knew him and the line he handled. There is a new name over the door to-day. SIDE LINES AND MONEY ^ Are you interested in specialties — business getters — money makers that will help out j'our regular talking machine trade hy drawing more people to j^our store and put more dollars in your pocket through sales which j'ou will make ? ^ We presume yon are because business men who are progressive are looking for opportunities to expand. They do not believe in the contraction polic3\ ^ To use the colloquial expression, we can "put you next," and "putting" in this case means that we can place j'ou in touch with manufacturers of side lines which you can handle harmoniously in connection wifh talking machines. ^ The more trade which can be drawn to your store the better it will be and there are plent}' of side lines which can be handled greatly to the profit of regular dealers. ^ We have detailed a member of the World staff to investigate this subject carefully and we are willing to make an interesting report to anj' dealer who writes us asking for information upon the subject. Address all such correspondence to Editor Side Line Department The Talking Machine World No. 1 Madison Avenne, New York