A Larry Givens Ampico Treasure -- Rescued from Oblivion!

When one begins collecting of anything newly, doors seem to open
(as according with luck, I suppose, but seeming magical) with items
presenting themselves to one, almost for the option of having or no.
This was the very case with myself when, half-a-century ago plus,
I began collecting in the Welte-Mignon area generally.

As remembering back to those early days, memories of the such
triumphs of acquisition flood back from memory, to greatest pleasure
of contemplation but sadly now, in the hands of estranged distant
'others' all-gone!

When only recently my attention turned to Ampico Treasures, Legend and
Lore, this identical phenomenon of earlier did manifest! (Youth again!)
Indeed, I was to meet with greatest good luck in finding some few very
fine items, each proving of sheer delight to me -- yes, some few as
roll titles but, such mostly as relating to printed matter.

Most all Ampico collectors are familiar with Larry Givens' unique
little opus most fittingly titled "Re-enacting The Artist," no?
Well, at page 81 he is shown there holding an Ampico roll catalog for
the year 1923 issued in January.

Here, as usual, the angel of the matter was to be found in the details
written therein, by ace-collector and conservator Mr. Givens. thus:

"The 1923 catalog as usually issued was a soft-back paper-bound book.
The copy illustrated here is furnished with a special green and gold
binding and was prepared for and exhibit at the Ampico recording
studio. It was formerly the property of Miss Antoinette Tiffin who
was in charge of scheduling recording performances at the studio and
who operated the recording machine for a number of years."

In exploring all the nooks and crannies found at eBay one evening,
I ran across this catalog item and seeing it's great cost to the tune
of impressive numbers of hundred of dollars and, as gilded to-the-max,
it was suddenly "Stop the music! What _is_ this?"

Well, a bit of investigation revealed that very thing, compliments of
Larry Givens' page 81 book description. Indeed, the costly offering
did seem to be the very item that Mr. Givens had been holding and,
the description indicating surely that it was _unique! One-of-a-kind!

Being church-mouse poor, I knew there was no-way-Jose that I might ever
possess it, so the next best thing was to make sure that it was not to
meet with oblivion (which circumstance it was nearly at, for any fool
might have picked it off unknowing) so, I mentioned the fact of its
existence to a dedicated Ampico collector who at that time was a friend,
and soon enough it was safe in his hands sans a thank-you!

Mission accomplished! (It is truly marvelous what money can do, if and
when found in the just-right hands.)

I've suggested to the proud new conservator that he might have an
expert give it a go-over and, to have a conservation case made specially
for it. It certainly is deserving of such tender, loving care, for such
small additional expense.

Included are images of the Unique and Grand Creature, for all to view
and admire. Is it not wonderful that Larry Givens' beautiful treasure
is now saved? I think so, and I say, "All hats off to its new owner!"

Jim Miller
Las Vegas, Nevada

 [ Larry Givens' Gilded Cover 1923 Catalog Front
 [ https://www.mmdigest.com/Attachments/21/09/28/210928_223830_Givens'CatalogFront.jpg 
 [ Larry Givens' Gilded Cover 1923 Catalog Spine View
 [ https://www.mmdigest.com/Attachments/21/09/28/210928_223830_Givens'CatalogSpine.jpg 
 [ Larry Givens' Gilded Cover 1923 Catalog Back View
 [ https://www.mmdigest.com/Attachments/21/09/28/210928_223830_Givens'CatalogBack.jpg 
 [ Larry Givens' Gilded Cover 1923 Catalog Contents
 [ https://www.mmdigest.com/Attachments/21/09/28/210928_223830_Givens'CatalogContents.jpg