Posted 8 years ago
Ted_Straub
(952 items)
Here are two vintage RCA items. The record stand is of Chalkware, and has a maker's mark on its reverse, which is very faint, precluding my identification of it. That's Nipper, the long time RCA mascot, on the right, and an RCA Victrola on the left. RCA's long time slogan "His Master's Voice" is embossed in the stand's center.
I have seen reproductions of this item in cast iron, and I am happy to have acquired this original Chalkware piece. This item was obtained at an auction of an RCA serviceman's tools of the trade. Thus I assume that his business also included sales of recordings.
The 78 RPM record fits perfectly into the groove holding it. It features the "Stegmaier Polka" on both sides. As indicated on the label, Norman Leydon's Orchestra performed the music, and the record was produced for Stegmaier by the Grelly/Grolly? Advertising Agency, which was located in Wilkes-Barre, PA. This city is also the home of Stegmaier Beer, which is still produced in the city, but not at its original location.
The word "BEER" got my attention ! Neat !! Learning that his(?) name was Nipper was worth the Clk. Ah, "Dinkle-Barry" (I nicknamed it back in the '70's! LOL!!
How old do you think it is?
Hi, buss…thanks for the love, and for the input. Glad to know that I have provided you with Nipper's name! Incidentally, Nipper had a puppy companion back in the 60s named Chipper!
And for the Steg, as one of their old jingles said "Ring-a-ding-ding, do the Stegmaier thing!"
Good morning, Trey…thanks for the love! Idid some research on this, and have concluded that the stand is from the 1930s, and from the "bat wing" design on the record label, which was used by RCA from 1914-1926, it can be deduced that the record is from somewhere in that time period.
I am attaching a YouTube link so that you may listen to "The Stegmaier Polka". There are other versions of this tune on YouTube also.
Collecting things, and the stories behind them is really a satisfying pastime for me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eOrj5C0hQw
Thanking all of the other Collectors' World members who have submitted "loves" on this item! I appreciate your consideration very much!
Thank you, Thomas! I appreciate the info that you have submitted.
I don't know if you are aware of this, but the HQs in Camden, have been repurposed into apartments. The building's outside seems not to have been altered drastically, and pictures of the insides seem to retain much of the building's original character.
I wonder if the great neon sign on the roof has been retained. It was also quite a grand sight viewing it from Philadelphia. And, hopefully, Nipper's gravesite has not been disturbed.
Thanks, again for your interest and input...both are truly appreciated.
Yes, Thomas, that is a good idea! I have clicked the follow button for you, also.
We will solve this mystery!
That was s catchy tune and now o want a beer LOL
Yes, Trey, it is a catchy tune…It helped sell a lot of beer for Stegmaier! Come to think of it, I want a beer now, too! :)
It made me want another one.
Me, too, 'Buss!
It's a good story, Brunswick, but wide of the mark!
Nipper was painted by Francis Barraud, listening to a phonograph. In 1899 he decided to update it, and borrowed a horn gramophone from the Gramophone Company's Maiden Lane office in London. The firm subsequently bought the overpainted picture and hung it in the office, subsequently appearing on HMV 78s from 1909. Nipper died in 1895, and was buried under a mulberry tree on Eden Street, Kingston-on-Thames, where a plaque was erected in 1949. (See "The Fabulous Phonograph" by Roland Gelatt, pp.74-6)
Thank you all for your loves of this item!
Ted. I hope the unsolved issues above don't lead to a duel ! LOL!! Over a "dawg".
Ha, ha, Buss…ya never know! Controversy is good in that within it, ideas are shared.
I'm sorry if I've set the cat amongst the pigeons, but the issue is not "unsolved". Just Google "Francis Barraud".
Good afternoon, nicefice…….I appreciate the love!
Hi, Sean….thanks for the love!
Thanks, again, Thomas! :)
This is a GREAT piece, now I will be looking for on like it.