Lot 146
Rare Warner Brothers Vitaphone Sound Equipment Case, Superb Artifact from the Earliest Days of "Talkies". The Vitaphone was a sound-on-disc system developed by Bell Telephone Laboratories and Western Electric. The name "Vitaphone" derived from the Latin and Greek words, respectively, for "living" and "sound". Warner Brothers was the first studio incorporate the technology and weathered the inconsistent quality of the system especially in synchronizing the audio to the images on the screen. Still, Warner Brothers prevailed and produced over 100 short subjects including Don Juan with John Barrymore that had a full score and sound effects which was well received
But it was synchronized singing by Al Jolson and a couple of a lines of dialogue using the Vitaphone system that film historians use as the birth of "Talkies". Ultimately Vitaphone lost the format war between synchronized recording VS sound on film. But its mark on film history is undisputed
Offered is a rare mid-1920s Vitaphone sound equipment case. Clearly built to withstand quite a bit of weight as evidenced by the metal clad corners, reinforced edges and triple strapped handle. The facing side still has the signature Vitaphone logo and is clearly legible with a few rubs to the center. Below Vitaphone is the RCA logo and "WB-1" stenciled at bottom and on both sides of the case. Inside the case is lined with its original heavy black ribbed fabric as well as a very specific wood rack. Excellent condition with scrapes dings, and oxidation comensurate with its 100 years in age.
A fine, rare artifact from the early days of the American film industry and certainly a find for the film enthusiast. Estimated Value $600 - 1,500
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