'The new born king'--'Mr Marshall' (Columbia 415, 1901)

[EmmetEarwax]

Columbia hit upon making their disks "unbreakable" by a felt middle layer, and high-quality, but brittle shellac outer layers. Since I don't know when they began doing this, I am careful with my old Columbia disks. (This felt layer can be seen in chipped edges).

A Benny Goodman jazz 78rp sustained a smash in a dumpster that would have destroyed a Victor, but was still playable. I still have the disk.

[MrXnews]

Wow. Great post. Amazing, listening to this early a disc. Too bad the grooves are worn out, but the sound is amazing!

[PerisphereRec]

Thanks!

[EdisonSquirrel]

How fascinating to hear this very early Christmas record!