Edison Lateral Cut Recordings -- N prefix pressings? and A Study of Pressing Problems

However, a few years ago I noted an unusual item in one of Kurt Nauck's auctions -- an Edison lateral pressing with an N prefix in front of its series number. This seemed unusual so I bid it in. On receiving it I found that Kurt had been correct in his listing and that it indeed was N11033, a recording that had been assigned an issue number but had never been included in any of the supplements. I then checked among my Xeroxes and examined one which I had ordered several years before. It was a copy of a scrapbook in which Harold Anderson had mounted copies of lateral labels. The notebook included many N labels and in some cases included regular issued labels mounted on top of what must be N labels. I also checked a few Lateral ads that were located in the Primary Printed Materials files. While it is always dangerous to theorize from one example I believe the following must have happened. The 11000 series, which was the Standard series was the first to receive matchings. The recordings were indeed standard and were intended to be released at a rate of 6 per month (75 per year), the 20,000 series, the Southern series was scheduled at 5 per month (60 per year). In both of these series the N label copies predominate. In addition there is a group of N labels in the 31,000 series. I believe that some sample pressings were prepared and circulated before the formal beginning of issue for comment, or to be pictured in advertisements. This is borne out by an article found in the primary printed materials file in the Edison Archives. "Unusual interest throughout the trade has followed the announcement by Thomas A. Edison, Inc., of lateral cut records ... on the occasion of welcoming the Blackman Distributing Co. As an Edison wholesaler ... Production of the Edison lateral-cut record has already been started in the recording laboratories in Orange, and the first samples of the disc were given as souvenirs to the guests of the Blackman banquet. This is recorded by B. A. Rolfe and his Concert Orchestra electrically, and it bears the numbers N-11018-R and N-11018-L ..."

Checking a xerox of a listing of regular and N matrices that was maintained from the Fall of 1927 through the end of recording it seems that in the late Fall of 1928 classical matrices were evaluated for issue. It was not until the end of April that this was done for the "popular" type of material. Since July saw the shipment of basic stock material the use of N prefixes was limited. Although label copy was prepared there would be relatively few.

This opens up the probability that many of the listings we published in 1963 exist somewhere in one form or another. The only exception would be in the case of records that were to have been shipped after October 22, 1929. We know of a few from the 29th but the existence is spotty. Years ago I picked up 20010 (10/22/29) and 20011 (10/29/29) while junking in New Jersey so there are possibilities. My hunch is that these were in initial production and were sold in the general factory clearance. The one thing that is certain is that if you own an N prefixed lateral cut Edison you have a rare animal indeed.

Label copy was prepared as N prefixed and as regular for the following 11002, 11010; 11015.

When the listing was first published we listed 11048 as follows: 11048 Rel. N6 (This was canceled).
B. A. ROLFE & HIS ORC. - Why can't you -FT (N1041A)
Phil SPITALNY'S MUSIC - Sentimental (N1029C)
The label book contains copy for the following:
11048
NEW YORK MILITARY BAND - Semper fidelis match (N290B)
NEW YORK MILITARY BAND - From tropic to tropic (N289B) *
* The label copy did not indicate matrix and take information. This was supplied from the set of two notebooks listing actions taken in regard to matrices that I mentioned previously. It should also be noted that these were listed there as Band. New York Military Band was supplied later.
For the benefit of our readers we include a xerox of some of the early 11000 series label copy.

A Study of Pressing Problems. During the period of the Edison Diamond Disc studies were sometimes undertaken of the processes. At one juncture when surfaces were particularly bad such a study was undertaken. At its conclusion the individual responsible for it eventually threw up his hands in horror. I need not specify the period, any Edison collector will immediately recognize it. While gearing up for the first laterals, and beginning in July 1929 a study was made of shellac pressing problems. We include a reproduction of the notes for the benefit of our readers.

The Edison Recording Studios in 1929. At the end of January 1929 the recording studios closed and moved into new quarters at 79 Fifth Avenue a few days later. Almost immediately it was discovered that these were unsuitable for larger groups. After some experimentation an additional studio was opened at 635 Sixth Avenue. I believe this was in June or July. We include a rough diagram made in 1941 by Fred Rabenstein, who had been the paymaster at the recording studios.

The end of recording. In 1921 or 22 Paul Kasakove, fresh out of college, was hired by Edison to speed up the issuance of recordings. As a result of his work the long lead in time between recording and issue was cut drastically. Mr. Kasakove once said to me that he could see the end of the record division when he was transferred to work on plating Edison appliances in June or July 1929. The formal study Discontinuing the Record Business was submitted to Charles Edison on October 14, 1929 and was located in his former office when I had it copied in the early 1970's. Unfortunately the Xerox used by the Site at that time was having indigestion and provided some particularly bad copy that is not suitable for reproduction. Once the study was completed the end was swift and the announcement to the trade concerning discontinuance was made on October 30th.

Research Notebook on Edison Lateral Pressings