1944 RCA Victor Liberty Bell Recording 78 RPM Historic Start Price USD 15,000.00 Current Price USD 15,000.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Wednesday, November 19, 2008 End Time Friday, December 19, 2008 Location New York See more about '1944 RCA Victor Liberty Bell Recording 78 RPM Historic' Description Up for bid is an EXTREMELY rare RCA/Victor 78 RPM recording of the Liberty Bell made on August 23rd, 1944 at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This recording was made to be broadcast if/when the Allies achieved victory of the Axis power in Europe... Physically, the record itself is in fantastic shape. The reverse (non-playing side) has a stunning relief featuring the RCA / VICTOR name, and their trade logos. The record label itself lists the 5 "tracks" on this recording (which can be clearly seen in the pictures below). There is an original inventory tag of the library from which this disc was rescued on the upper portion of the record label. It is slightly peeling, however, it appears that someone with the right know how/tools could remove this cleanly if they choose to. This was listened through once by the owner personally. However, after quickly weighing its historical value vs. the quality of player available he did not want to take any chance of harming the record. He did manage to transcribe the speech in the 4th track "Brief Announcement followed by thirteen strokes... "Independence Hall, in the city of Philadelphia holds America’s most treasured possession - our greatest symbol of freedom, the liberty bell. No longer in common use as when it summoned our forefathers to meetings and rang out the glorious news of independence, the liberty bell is now repaired as a shrine. Its historic tones do not pass beyond the walls of Independence Hall. The miracle of radio however, has expanded these walls as if by magic to include the whole world. Recorded for posterity and broadcast for lovers of freedom everywhere, radio now brings us the most inspiring sound in the history of our nation. As the liberty bell again full fills its original inscription… Proclaim liberty throughout all the land onto all the inhabitants thereof.” As for the history... Three known recordings were made of the Liberty Bell. In addition to this one, a recording was made on June 6 1944 and one other for Columbia records sometime in the 1950s. Correspondence with the archivist at Independence National Historic Park (which oversees both Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, as well as the district's other historical landmarks) confirmed this and helped reveal what little other information is documented about the recordings. One document notes: "Mayor Samuel was awakened early on the morning of June 6 [1944] and hurriedly brought by police escort to Independence Hall where he tapped the bell twelve times and then another seven times with each stroke representing a letter in the word "Liberty." This was recorded to be played before the official government announcement that the invasion of France by allied forces had begun. The bell's sound was to symbolize the coming liberation of Europe by the allied armies. ...The Radio Corporation of America received permission from Philadelphia authorities to record the sound of the Liberty Bell on August 23, 1944. The recording was distributed to all radio stations in America for use on the day when victory was achieved over the Axis powers and on other suitable occasions...." Due to the fragile nature of this recording (as with any LP) and its exceptionally rare historically value, the ultimate method of shipping/delivery and the costs will be the responsibility of the purchaser. Local Pick-up is strongly urged. We will be happy to work out all the details with you personally. This is being offered as a professional courtesy on behalf of an industry colleague. Please, feel free to contact us with with any questions at all concerning this record and we'll do our best to respond with the answer. If appropriate, we will make them available in the listing for the benefit of others Thanks and good luck ! Place a Bid!