Like the name ! The shop was on Broad Street Corner. Viv
Source: British Newspaper Archive
Source: British Newspaper Archive
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United Talking Machines Co Ltd Broad Street
- Thread starter Vivienne14
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Johnfromstaffs
Johnfromstaffs
United Talking Machine Company – THE VINTAGE RECORD PLAYLIST: 78-RPM AND CYLINDER RECORDS
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UNITED TALKING MACHINE COMPANY - UNITED RECORD - CHICAGO
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Like a lot of things, it seems that the Americans’ efforts to encourage the Brits to become an extra State of the Union were extended to the gramophone. I have not, so far, found an absolute link, but the coincidence of the name, and Columbia machines, seem to suggest that the advert, and premises, are of an offshoot from the American firm. The reference to other branches shown at the bottom of the ad indicates a substantial company rather than a “one-man-band”.
The concept of giving away the gramophone but ensuring that you have to buy discs from the donor is referred to as “razor and blade sales”. I always wondered why Gillette blades had those funny piercings down the centre. It seems unlikely that this method of selling was adopted here as the advertisement would surely have mentioned it.
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Bob Davis
Bob Davis
JohnUnited Talking Machine Company – THE VINTAGE RECORD PLAYLIST: 78-RPM AND CYLINDER RECORDS
Posts about United Talking Machine Company written by
UNITED TALKING MACHINE COMPANY - UNITED RECORD - CHICAGO
78records.cdbpdx.com
Like a lot of things, it seems that the Americans’ efforts to encourage the Brits to become an extra State of the Union were extended to the gramophone. I have not, so far, found an absolute link, but the coincidence of the name, and Columbia machines, seem to suggest that the advert, and premises, are of an offshoot from the American firm. The reference to other branches shown at the bottom of the ad indicates a substantial company rather than a “one-man-band”.
The concept of giving away the gramophone but ensuring that you have to buy discs from the donor is referred to as “razor and blade sales”. I always wondered why Gillette blades had those funny piercings down the centre. It seems unlikely that this method of selling was adopted here as the advertisement would surely have mentioned it.
Thanks for posting a fascinating article. The 'boom box of the day and if you were not wearing a hat on a wet day,, you could pull the horn over your head. Boom Boom
Bob
Johnfromstaffs
Johnfromstaffs
Wouldn’t the drips go down your neck?
Bob Davis
Bob Davis
Johnfromstaffs
Johnfromstaffs
I have been digging around to see if I could establish a connection between the American company and this outfit in Birmingham, with little success. The history of the gramophone industry in USA, U.K. and Germany at that time is as incestuous as it is opaque. It also seems to have been more than a touch crooked, with selling methods involving vague contractual details, verbal promises unsupported in writing, and dodgy share dealings. Companies came and went, possibly to the advantage of the proprietors and the detriment of the shareholders.
I did, however, uncover the existence in London in the first decade of the 20th century of a firm called “The American Talking Machine Company”. Perhaps it changed its name to Universal in an attempt to improve sales. It certainly seems that the name “talking machine” was in more general use due to the various legal battles over terms like Phonograph, Graphophone and Gramophone, and who could use them.
During this dig I also stumbled into an outfit called “The Brum Film Company”.
birminghamhistory.co.uk
Apparently the piece recorded on film by Horatio Bottomley was accompanied by sound from discs made under the name “Marconi”.
Also: -
www.birminghammusicarchive.com
I did, however, uncover the existence in London in the first decade of the 20th century of a firm called “The American Talking Machine Company”. Perhaps it changed its name to Universal in an attempt to improve sales. It certainly seems that the name “talking machine” was in more general use due to the various legal battles over terms like Phonograph, Graphophone and Gramophone, and who could use them.
During this dig I also stumbled into an outfit called “The Brum Film Company”.
Brum Film Company
Not something I’ve heard of before. Dated 1917. Maybe it was for documentary filming ? Viv.
birminghamhistory.co.uk
Apparently the piece recorded on film by Horatio Bottomley was accompanied by sound from discs made under the name “Marconi”.
Also: -
Birmingham Music Archive
Celebrating Birmingham's Popular Music History
www.birminghammusicarchive.com
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Johnfromstaffs
Johnfromstaffs
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