This early United States Phonograph Company catalog lists 51 two-minute U-S Everlasting cylinders which, as far as can be determined, were never released. It seems likely that these were among a group of early masters that were rejected for issue, probably dating to late 1909 or very early 1910. Why they would have found their way into this catalog (which includes two- and four-minute numbers that were released as late as the Autumn of 1910) remains a mystery.

The red line and arrow, which we've added on the last panel, indicates the point at which verifiable U-S issues begin. If you have an example of any of these cylinder records (# 150 - 200), and can supply a confirming scan or photo (and preferably a sound file), we'd like to hear from you. You can contact us in confidence on our e-mail page.

A detailed history of U.S. Phonograph and the issued U-S Everlasting cylinders is included in Indestructible and U-S Everlasting Cylinders: An Illustrated History and Discography, available from Mainspring Press.

Daily postings and
MP3 sound files

In-depth articles and
photo features