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Artiphon

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German Shellac label based in Berlin; issued records between December 1919 and 1932. The label was founded by Hermann Eisner, who had previously served as technical director of the Homophon Company. The matrix numbers of the earliest Artiphon records, in fact, use a date code of letters and numbers similar to that on Homophon's [l=Homocord] records. Artiphon produced its own recordings, but also released American matrices that it licensed from [l=Grey Gull], [l=Banner], [l=Regal (3)] and the [l=American Record Company]. Artiphon also issued several sub-brands: [l=Hertie] and [l=Kadewelt] (produced for the department stores Hertie and KaDeWe), Hermaphon, and [l=Rensie Record] (Rensie after Eisner's last name spelled backwards). "Artiphon Electro Special" is not a separate label name but simply a way to promote the then new electrical recording process. Please use the label name [l=Artiphon] for these releases. For French releases, use the sub-label [l=Artiphone].