Label Dating Guide

EDISON LABEL DATING GUIDE

"For the labels on the Diamond Disc records there are two major types, the molded or etched label and the paper label. The molded labels were in use from 1912 until June, 1921. The paper label was used for the rest of production through 1929. The variations in the molded label below are in order in which they were produced, starting with having Edison's image in a shield. Then there are three variations where not only his image changed but there now three rings around the outside. The last one I have is with no Thomas Edison image at all. This was a transition label just before the paper labels in 1921. The first paper labels were on an all black background with the words "Edison Re-Creation" then went to a black and white background. Variations include having a price at the bottom or not and the red star. Then it was changed to the words "Edison Record." Variations are with and without the price (on the bottom of the label) and the red star."
-Glenn Longwell

Edison Diamond Disc Label Types - Click on an image to enlarge

           

Even though the basic designs of the Edison record labels seem unchanging, it is possible to closely date any Edison pressing by a careful noting of label features. There is no case where a label remained unchanged for more than three years.

Here are common charectaristics for the Type M-1 Labels (MOLDED LABELS)

With the exception of experimental pressings this is the earliest major label type. All other label types have slightly different characteristics

  1. An electrotype plate was prepared from which the label portion of the record was pressed into the record surface.
  2. The background surface is etched and appears gray on the record, in contrast to the black label lettering - These labels are easily read
  3. Occasionally, the matrix number appears in a small box at the six o'clock position. The remaining border design is otherwise unbroken. If this is not the case, the box is either blank or the design is continuous in this eventuality, the matrix number appears in a mirror image just below the label area If the matrix is a remake, the original matrix number often remains in the box while a new matrix number appears in the other area since it was possible to reuse the original electrotypes.
  4. There are no take designations. The number appearing after the matrix number represents a mold number It is sometimes possible to discover which take was being utilized through factory information, although much of this in formation was destroyed in the December 1914 factory fire.
  5. Artist credits are not given - the label merely indicates the performance mode - such as Reed Orchestra, Violin, Tenor, etc Composers are usually mentioned.
  6. The issue number does not appear in the label area but is punched into the thick edge portion of the record in four locations Numbers were alternated so they could be read (re 50109/60109) about 1916 In some issues, the numbers appear to have orange pigmentation, as opposed to usual white.
  7. On one side, there will be a broad flat ring around the spindle hole. A smaller ring will occur on the reverse side.
  8. The lettering on the label is slightly raised and appears somewhat broad Some labels have a raised, etched area above the hole at the 12 o'clock position Presumably the area was designed for the record buyer to mark with his own catalog number.
  9. The sides were molded separately in celluloid and later bonded to the 4 inch molded wood-flour based blank (Known as the transfer process .) Earliest discs were thinner than those produced after January 1913 Earliest discs were 22 inches in thickness.
  10. The surfaces of the records frequently suffered from lamination cracks caused by water penetration or vapor penetration.
  11. These surfaces are the finest of all the Edison discs until the 1920's when manufacturing improvements made smooth surfaces possible again Record surfaces appear to be the worst during the years of greatest production, around 1918-1920
  12. Edison 80,000, 82,000 and 82,500 series records were housed in presentation boxes during 1912 and until October 1913 when many experimental pressings were withdrawn from the first record lists.

Other Labels

- A small sample of other label types

           

 

Courtesy of Majestic Record Corp. and Raymond Wile.