ABSTRACT
A firm incorporated in London in November 1909, having apparently been in business for some two years previous. The address was 128 High Holborn, then 44 Bedford Row. John Bull records (made mostly from Beka matrices) were the discs issued; there was also a player sold under the name of Erco, made by Carl Lindström GmbH. Business was good in 1911, leading to the establishment of branches throughout Britain and in France. An associated firm, the South East Record Co., Ltd., was registered on 26 Feb 1910, and another associated company, the Irolite Manufacturing Co., Ltd., was incorporated on 7 May 1910. Although nothing illegitimate was done by the company, it acquired a reputation for shady business practices. Its method of sale was to require a contract of agreement to purchase a large number of discs in conjunction with the offer of a free gramophone. Some customers committed themselves to expenditures they could not afford.
