Thomas A. Edison / New York Military Band ** 78 rpm ** VERY RARE

• Let us not forget -- A message to the American people / National Airs of the Allies -- Label: Edison -- Record#: xxxx (see trailing wax #s below)

Special note to foreign bidders: I declare foreign shipments as merchandise with the value you bid for them. Shipment to foreign buyers is via priority mail international with insurance for the value bid. Please e-mail for shipping costs before bidding as this method costs more, but is insurable and trackable. Example: United Kingdom 1-2 pounds $29.50 + $1.00 box/tape/pack = $30.50.

Alternatively, if the ending winning bid is less than $20 and if you have perfect feedback and want this shipped first class international, it could be shipped that method with the understanding there is NO REFUND FOR ANY REASON since the item cannot be tracked online or insured. Example: United Kingdom 0-1 pounds $9.60 + $1.00 = $10.60.

Import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding/buying.

Feedback/bidding policy: I check feedback daily and will return feedback promptly. Although I go to great lengths to accurately describe my items, if you feel the merchandise is not as described, e-mail me BEFORE leaving feedback and we will resolve it. Please note I do allow returns (see return policy below).

Description: Up for your consideration is the next in a series of unique discs, this one featuring Thomas A. Edison on one side and the New York Military Band on the other. I had to take a few different pictures of this item one with a camera, two with a scanner to try to get the print on this black disc to show for you. I am NOT an expert on Edison 78s, but I believe this is what's called a "diamond disc". There are two plaques on each side (somewhat triangle shaped), one with a portrait and the other with some print.

Several unique things about this item: Firstly, the record still appears to have some of the original shine with some very light to light marks, some small scuffs grading by sight in normal room light. I'm sure if you took this and put it under a 1000 watt bulb, you'd probably find something that makes it less than mint. If you're that kind of collector, and after a recent unpleasant experience with a buyer from Malaysia, let me suggest this auction is not for you.

I don't claim this record is mint. I did take the time to play this disc ONCE on my 78 player (not specifically designed for Edisons) for purposes of checking the sound for this listing, and found the tracks to audibly average around VG.

My system for playing 78s is an old Zenith system that plays three speeds and allows me to turn a knob which flips a needle to allow for playing 78 RPMs. If you have a player specifically designed for playing 78 RPMs, specifically Edisons, or can clean them, it (they) may sound even better.

You can assign your own grade based on the audible scale shown below.

Secondly, at the time of this listing, one past sale on e-bay for $147. I've seen these go as high as $350!

So this is your chance to own a unique item at a reasonable price. Bid early and often so you don't miss out on this item!

It is further described below, please take the time to read before bidding.

Please e-mail if questions.

Be sure to check my other listings to save postage on multiple winning bids. Please explore the "Me" link above(next to feedback rating) to check out my store and some of the 15,000+ records / books / CD's / cassettes I have for sale as well as the LP to CD transfer service I offer.

I am using the Goldmine scale of G=Good(1), VG = Very Good(2), VG+ = Very Good Plus(excellent)(3), NM = Near Mint(4) when grading the disc(s).

Here is a summary of the record(s):

Additional criteria I use when audibly grading records for people:

• NM(4) = absolutely nothing wrong at all (very rarely happens--I've even opened sealed records and they don't play Near Mint)
• 3.5-3.9 = very, very light surface noise
• 3.1-3.4 = very light surface noise, very light pops
• VG+(3) = up to light pops and light surface noise (below this, one's enjoyment is affected, very subjective)
• VG(2) = up to medium pops and moderate surface noise
• G(1) = up to heavy pops and heavy surface noise

I normally ship 78 RPM discs in 14"x14"x6" boxes padded in styrofoam and sandwiched between cardboard. Weight with box is about 2 pounds 5 ounces. Shipping is: $3.29 Media Rate (2-3 pounds) + $2.00 box/tape + $.50 styrofoam peanuts + $.85 delivery confirmation = $6.64.

Buyer pays shipping/handling. Standard method within U.S. is Media Rate, FREE. This includes delivery confirmation which enables you to track shipping of your package online. Outside U.S., e-mail location to determine S/H costs prior to auction end. Insurance / other methods of shipping cost extra. Payment received within ten days of auction ending. Payment via Paypal preferred.

Thanks for stopping by and good luck with the bidding!

Return Policy: Bid with confidence! All my auctions are guaranteed to be as described. If you feel the item is not as described:

1. Let me know why it is not as described.
2. If approved, then return the item in the original box within 7 days of receipt by you.
3. Provided the item is returned in the same condition as when I mailed it, your bid amount will be refunded. You are responsible for return shipping. On sealed items, if you open it, you own it.

Handling policy: There is no handling charge. Items are shipped within 24 hours of receipt of payment, unless payment arrives on a Saturday/Sunday in which case the item will ship on the next postal day (normally Monday).