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Up for acquisition is an exceptionally rare piece of cinematic and radio broadcast history: an original 1937 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer radio transcription promo disc produced for the theatrical release of the Marx Brothers classic comedy masterpiece, A Day at the Races. Pressed by Audio Devices, Inc. (NYC) on a professional-grade blank lacquer \"Audiodisc\", this studio-issued promotional recording was distributed directly to regional radio stations to build pre-release hype across the airwaves.
The Significance of the 33 1/3 RPM Speed in 1937:
While consumers did not see 33 1/3 RPM microgroove LPs in stores until 1948, the 33 1/3 speed was pioneered much earlier—dating back to the late 1920s and 1930s—specifically for professional cinema and radio broadcasting. Because standard consumer 78 RPM records could only hold about 3 to 4 minutes of audio per side, radio stations and studios relied on specialized 33 1/3 RPM transcription discs to broadcast longer promotional spots, trailers, and syndicated shows without constant disc-flipping. Surviving pre-war transcription discs of major studio releases like this are exceedingly scarce institutional artifacts.Featuring label typings explicitly noting \"Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Presents The Marx Brothers\", \"A Radio Promo\", year \"1937\", and co-starring vocalist Alan Jones, this is a true museum-grade piece of pre-war entertainment ephemera. Authentication & Provenance:
Media Type: Original acetate/lacquer-coated transcription disc (blank aluminum-core transcription blank standard for professional studio/radio syndication in the late 1930s).
Label Details: Typewritten studio label featuring MGM production details, 1937 date stamp, and \"A Radio Promo\" designation.
Original Sleeve: Housed in its vintage original \"Audiodiscs / Audio Devices, Inc. (444 Madison Avenue, New York 22, N.Y.)\" die-cut paper storage sleeve.
Condition Grading:
Disc Condition: Very Good (VG) to VG+ for an early acetate transcription. The deep black lacquer surface retains a high-gloss finish with minor, light superficial hairline handling marks typical of professional archival handling. The center white paper label is clean, intact, and completely legible with crisp typewriting.
Sleeve Condition: Very Good (VG). The original Audio Devices mustard-yellow die-cut paper sleeve shows light vintage age toning and edge wear consistent with decades of secure archival storage, but remains fully intact with strong graphics.
Note: These lacquer transcription discs are intended for archival and historical display; playback testing has not been performed to preserve the delicate lacquer grooves.
3. Packaging & Shipping Policies
Packaging Protocol: The record (housed in its inner Audiodisc sleeve) will be placed between heavy-duty cardboard then wrapped entirely in multiple layers of thick bubble wrap and secured inside a heavy-duty professional vinyl mailer.
Domestic Shipping: Shipped via USPS Ground Advantage with tracking.
International Shipping: Shipped securely via ’s International Shipping (EIS) program for safe customs clearance and tracking.
Combined Shipping Terms: I am happy to combine shipping for multiple purchases. Please request an updated invoice prior to payment so I can adjust shipping costs to reflect actual combined weight and protective packaging size.
