"I Am A Parrot". Die Cut Parrot with vinyl record made by the Emerson Phonograph Company.
New York: Talking Book Corporation, 1918. Large elaborately die cut color illustration of a parrot with green head and multi colored tail feathers on heavy card stock, with a small diameter record riveted at the center, made by the Talking Book Corporation and the Emerson Phonograph Company. On the verso, the text of the story "I am a Parrot": "They call me Polly. I come from Africa. My relatives live also in Australia, India, and Arabia. ...". The entire card is placed on a turntable in order to hear the recording.
The Talking Book Corporation made children's animal stories with records which were produced by the Emerson Phonograph Company. Victor Emerson was Columbia Phonograph Company's chief recording engineer at the turn of the century; he began his own company and recorded dance music, popular tunes and patriotic marches. Later, he opened a studio in New York to record artists such as Eddie Cantor, and a second studio in Los Angeles.
Printed at bottom of die cut card, on verso : "Produced Exclusively by Talking Book Corporation and Talking Book Company, Ltd. One W. 34th St. and Toronto Canada. Publishers of "Talking" Story Books, Animals and Figures, New Releases Every Month. Ask for Complete Catalogue. Copyright 1918".
The die cut card is only slightly rubbed at edges; the vinyl record is intact with no visible scratches. The die cut card approximately 6 1/2 x 10"; the vinyl record 4 1/4" in diameter. Very good condition. Item #21664
Price: $275.00