Gennett (U.S.A.) / c. 1921
Corporate background:
Gennett’s recording studio was
originally located in New York; the better-known Richmond,
Indiana location was opened later.
Gennett’s first records,
vertical-cut, were issued in 1917.
They began producing laterally-cut records
in early 1919.
Design: The
earliest issues, as here, used a plain approach, free of
ornament.
The Gothic lettering is proportionally
taller than the previous issue and shows less contrast between
thick and thin strokes.
The ornate curlicues are also absent.
Gothic lettering was widely used for
name-decals on pianos, which were often made by craftsmen with
a German ethnic background.