78 rpm: Very Rare 1902 Chinese 78 rpm 1-sided Monarch #1941-P HMV Victor Female Vocals

Here is among the earliest Chinese language records to be released on phonograph disc. According to the information that I have shamelessly lifted from a previous auction , there were 32 Monarch Chinese titles issued, starting in late 1902, with catalog numbers 1557 to 2371, and then renumbered with different labels in 1903 from 7160 to 7323. So this disc, which is numbered on the label in handwriting script as "1941-P," is from the early part of the first series, released either in late 1902 or early 1903. I cannot read the title, but I have given the record one careful spin. The arrangement is percussion and stringed instruments, with a flamboyant female vocal that includes talking and singing. Playback is strong, but with a bit of hiss and occasional ticks. I'm not going to attempt a proper cleaning of such a delicate and rare record, but it could benefit the playback if done carefully and thoroughly. Condition is V, with a very well preserved gloss considering the age, but a number of small scratches and abrasions that you can see in the second photo above. Note that I'm well-versed in the proper way to ship a shellac record, and have never had one damaged in transit. This disc will be shipped by Priority Mail and fully insured.