Black Label Cobs
A few of the very earliest cobs have unusual black labels1), unlike the Label Styles usually found.
- Notable features:
- Black labels with gold ink (see photos below)
- Brass ferrules in both center holes and drive hole, chamferred on inner edge
- Larger diameter wooden core (1.85” (or 1-27/32”) in comparison to 1.82” (or 1-13/16”))
The labels are reminiscent of those used on the Autophone instruments previously manufactured by the company, which often used black and gold in a similar round format. The brass ferrules, although high quality, would have been more expensive than the stamped ferrules of later design, and probably required more labor. The larger wooden core actually prevents the cobs from playing correctly on most instruments, as the valve tips tend to ride on the core, opening them slightly and playing extraneous notes. Since only very low numbers are found in these cobs (hymns started with #1 and popular titles started with #101), it is presumed that these were the earliest production.
- See also:
Known black label cobs:
| No. - Name | Comments |
|---|---|
| #2 - Nearer, My God, To Thee | Red labels, but otherwise identical |
| #101 - Waltz—Les Roses | |
| #102 - Polka—La Bonne Bouche | |
| #103 - When the Swallows Homeward Fly | |
| #106 - The Soldier's Joy | |
| #107 - When the Leaves Begin to Fade | Red labels, but otherwise identical |
| #108 - Sweet Violets | |
| #109 - Marching Through Georgia | |
| #110 - Victoria Polonaise | |
| #111 - Waltz—My Queen | Red labels, but otherwise identical |
