I have re-scaned labels in order to include mirrors.
There are matrix numbers that pretty much resemble "Syrena-Record" system. Unfortunately, there is a gap in Tomasz Lerski's book, but according to number sequence it could be March, 1912. BTW, it looks like catalog numbers were derived from the matrix numbers by dropping digit "1" from the left.
I see what you mean about Syrena numbers. But if these were pirated, I would expect the makers to have carefully removed all traces of the original numbers, like Orpheon I think did. And if these numbers are missing from the Syrena listing, it could mean that Universal paid Syrena to record some issues for their own exclusive use. Or maybe the Universal label belonged to Syrena. A small record company with only a few issues is very likely not to have its own recording equipment, and even more likely not to have its own pressing plant. Certainly in the UK and Germany there were many labels, but only a few manufacturers.
I read (do not remember where) that some pirate companies did not bother to erase the original matrix numbers, especially before the first copyright law was passed in Russia (March 20, 1911). Keeping the original matrix numbers was certainly unwise (if the word “wise” is applicable to the piratical business at all), may be that is why Universal records are so rare today?
There are plenty of gaps in Tomasz Lerski’s book, many records that present on this website are missing there. A.I.Zhelezny currently works on the most complete listing of Syrena records, may be these numbers will be listed there. If you can read this A.I.Zhelezny's article (sorry, it is currently in Russian only), you will find that A.M.Davydov DID record on Syrena and approximately at this time frame (January 1912).
I can understand Russian a (very) little but I can't write it. I was very interested in early Soviet records many years ago and I corresponded with Anatoly almost a lifetime ago! Is he ever online here?
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