[78-L] Dates scratched in the dead wax

[Michael Biel]

I've seen a couple of records with lightly scratched dates that seem to
have been done by collectors -- rather than use something more sensible
like a grease pencil.  I've never bothered to see if the dates matched
the recording dates.  It does seem like maybe these dates on yours are
release or purchase dates inscribed at the time. As long as collectors
realize that these are not in the original record as pressed!!

And speaking of GN and matrix scratchings, I just got a Canadian RCA
Victor LP of Canadian folk dances and wonder if there is any way to tell
if GN cut the masters.  The record is PCs-1088 Dynagroove Stereo. The
handscribed matrix number is very small, and there are absolutely no
other markings whatsoever.  

Mike Biel  mbiel at mbiel.com 

-------- Original Message --------
From: David Lennick <dlennick at sympatico.ca>

I picked up a number of near mint Victor 78s at Tom Kennish's store in 
Cleveland some years ago, possibly store stock..wonderful condition,
original 
sleeves, but what has puzzled me is that all of them have dates
scratched into 
the land on one side. Not pressed that way, but inscribed by somebody,
and for 
what reason? Victor 21431 (Fascinatin' Vamp--Shilkret/Dancing 
Shadows--Whiteman) has "6-23-28 SAT" on the A side. The sides were
recorded 
February 2 and April 22 of 1928, so there's no connection there..maybe
this is 
the date the disc was received? (Yes GN, I know you want to hear this
one.)

dl