RARE Enrico Caruso 12" 78 RPM One Sided Acetate AFRS Music Transcription Library
$
20
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Description
Powered by eCommercePlayer.com Headline: MUSEUM-GRADE RARITY: 12" ENRICO CARUSO ONE-SIDED BROADCAST ACETATE The Item:
This is an exceptional find for the elite Caruso or broadcast history collector: a 12-inch, one-sided 78 RPM acetate transcription from the Armed Forces Radio Service (AFRS) Music Transcription Library. It features Caruso’s iconic 1916 recording of "O Sole Mio." Provenance & Production:
Unlike standard shellac 78s sold to the public, this is a professional broadcast lacquer. It was produced by the AFRS for military radio transmission. Because of its "Transcription Library" status, this disc was likely cut from the original master recordings or superior Victor metal parts to ensure the highest possible audio fidelity for the troops. UNT Digital Library Rarity & Desirability:
- Unique Format: While 16-inch AFRS discs exist, 12-inch 78 RPM broadcast lacquers from this era are far more elusive.
- One-Sided Pressing: Emulates the prestige of early "Red Seal" single-sided discs but in a professional broadcast medium.
- Caruso Appeal: As the most famous tenor in history, any non-commercial, "master-source" pressing of his work is a major "holy grail" for vocal enthusiasts. Facebook +1
- Artist: Enrico Caruso w/ Orchestra
- Track: O Sole Mio (Recorded 1916)
- Label: AFRS Music Transcription Library / Victor
- Material: Broadcast Acetate/Lacquer (Metal-core)
- Speed: 78 RPM
- Size: 12-inch, Single-Sided
The label is the distinctive green AFRS "Music Transcription Library" design. The surface shows [Insert your specific grade here, e.g., "stunning luster with only light paper scuffs"]. Collector's Note: This is not a standard consumer record. It is a piece of history that bridged the gap between the golden age of opera and the critical radio infrastructure of the mid-20th century.
Domestic Shipping is $7.00 by Media Postal Service. First class postal service delivery time depends on distance (usually less than a week). Please message me after the auction, if you prefer Priority Mail, which offers delivery in two to three days. Priority rates vary according to the destination.
Shipping to EUROPE, ASIA, AND AUSTRALIA via FIRST CLASS INTERNATIONAL AIR MAIL is $35 (Sorry that the USPS increased their rates this year!) Delivery time is usually one to two weeks, depending on foreign customs, and each destination. Registered mail is required for any interantional shipments with a value over $100 for buyer and seller protection on Ebay and Paypal. Registered mail costs an additional $12.00 above normal shipping costs. Packages with four or more records sent to international destinations require Priority Mail due to the weight of the package. USPS charges by weight. Any package over two pounds goes to $34.50, over three pounds to $49.50, and over four pounds to higher rates.
First class international mail service can not track the item after it leaves the United States.
International customers who want insurance and/or tracking must use either registered or global express mail service. (These services are not available with first class postal international mail service.) Registered mail takes a week longer, due to security handling. International registered mail services for one record costs $19.00. Global Express Mail costs approximately $40.00. If the amount is less, I will refund you the difference. After winning a record, please notify me, if you desire these services. I can send you an amended Ebay invoice, with the desired shipping services.
Please submit payment within 7 days of auction ending, or a non-paying bidder alert will be issued and/or relisting of the item may result. Please communicate with me, if there is a delay in payment.
I usually ship within 24 hours of receipt of payment, except for weekends or postal holidays.
INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMERS PLEASE READ! Once a package leaves the US, only the postal service has control over handling or delivery time. Most international shipments are arriving in a week/
So far, all my shipments have arrived safely. The customer has the option to select insurance for absolute security.
There is a complete audio stream of at least one side of each record on the listing page. Occasionally the audio stream "times out" overseas, limiting the sound, to a brief "clip". If this happens, please email or message me, and I will try to make a correction. Here is my grading system:
NM- = record appears mostly new and uplayed
EX or VG++ = record looks great, may be a few light paper scuffs, plays like new.
VG+ = fairly nice copy, may be a few light marks, occasional tick or pop, but mostly clean sound.
VG = wear, scuffing, light scratches, ticks and pops, but a very playable copy.
VG- many scuffs or groove wear, plays with some noise, but still listenable.
G+ = a playable copy but very very worn, plays with lots of noise
G through G- = wall hanger
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