Dover museum to showcase Nipper collection Saturday, Jan. 2

The Johnson Victrola Museum in Dover will present “No Bones About It,” the story of a dog named Nipper, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 2. Nipper, whose image in The Victor Talking Machine Company’s “His Master’s Voice” logo became one of America’s oldest trademarks, was a real dog who lived in England from 1884-95.

The program will also serve as a showcase for the museum’s most recent acquisition of Nipper collectibles. A make-and-take craft activity will be available for children from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The iconic image of a mixed fox/bull terrier, Nipper, looking into a phonograph became an international symbol of quality and excellence for The Victor Talking Machine Company. Nipper enjoyed chasing rats, “nipping at the backs of people’s ankles and listening to music.” Reportedly, Nipper was doing just that when artist Francis Barraud thought the scene would make a great painting and created Nipper listening to “His Master’s Voice” in 1899.

The painting and copyright were purchased for use as the trademark for The Gramophone Company in London. The original painting featured Nipper listening to a cylinder phonograph but was changed to a Berliner Disc Gramophone as a condition of the purchase.

Delawarean Eldridge Reeves Johnson acquired the U.S. rights to the painting from Emile Berliner in 1901, leading to a merger with The Berliner Gramophone Company to form The Victor Talking Machine Company. Johnson, an astute businessman, launched Nipper’s image and company name to worldwide fame by branding everything from Victrolas and recordings to salt and pepper shakers. Nipper is buried in Kingston-Upon-Thames in England.

“No Bones About It” is presented in conjunction with First Saturday in the First State, a monthly series of events sponsored by the First State Heritage Park at Dover. Admission for all programs is free and open to the public. For more information, call the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries at 302-744-5055.

The Johnson Victrola Museum, at 375 S. New St., between North St. and Bank Lane in Dover, highlights the life and achievements of Johnson, founder of The Victor Talking Machine Company. Through machines, trademarks, recordings, objects, paintings and advertisements, the museum showcases Johnson, his company and the development of the sound-recording industry.