The Little Hero, Robert Howe.

This rather lengthy Victorian ballad by Stephen Adams, tells of a transatlantic stowaway, smuggled aboard a ship by his stepfather, who cannot afford to keep him, but wishes him a better life. The harsh mannered first mate, doesn't believe him, thinking one of his softer hearted crew smuggled him aboard. He commands the little boy tell the truth, or be hanged. When the boy's time is up, he askes to pray. Having said his prayers, the first mate hugs & kisses him, for his willingness to put the truth before his life. "I'll believe you for evermore" the gramophone echoes, due to a needle dig, in the final grooves! This 10" record plays for over 5 mins, due to the 'Marathon' record's extended playing time. Played on my 'Marathon' gramophone. Could find no bio on Robert Howe, tho' he must have rivalled Peter Dawson in his time.

[@jyttethagaardnielsen3568]

Dear Paul, thank you for this heartbreaking story, that ends happy !!!!! I wish you a lovely afternoon !!!! Warm greetings from Jytte

[@tiga4180]

Yes, it certainly tells of hard times, rather like many a Charles Dickens story. I also like the way it values the truth. Warm greetings to you too my friend!

[@GramophonicReevolution]

Excellent Paul. Another lovely marathon upload. I have some that I need to upload. Won't be this week though 😊

[@tiga4180]

Glad you enjoyed. Look forward to hearing yours.

[@rordorica]

The Marathon playing a Marathon record, how nice that could be! I remember years ago you play another Marathon record , I think this one sounds better .

[@tiga4180]

Apart from the needle dig at the end, its in great condition. Another one or two to follow.

[@ladycallidora]

Thank you for sharing this record I was not familiar with.

[@tiga4180]

I think its a bit of a rarity. The long playing qualities of this record allow the full story to be told, which like many Victorian ballads, has a moral. Glad you found it of interest.

[@AnnieVanAuken]

Incredible rarity. None of my sources even know this Robert Howe side exists. Bravo, Paul!

[@tiga4180]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but think many of your sources are from US record companies like Columbia & Victor, which have connections to UK labels. I did manage to find the sheet music to this 1881 ballad in the archive of 'The National Library Of Australia' Robert Howe did record for several labels & to my mind rivals Peter Dawson, but surprisingly I can find no bio on him. Marathon was a short lived recording company (c.1911-1916), tho' its long playing capabilities were impressive for the day. Thing is, the records needed a special gramophone, or at least an adaptor & as the market was already flooded with cheap German imports, sometimes costing half the price of a Marathon, so they'd lose out on price, rather than quality of product. They did appear to have a good repertoire & quality artists to record for them.

[@AnnieVanAuken]

@@tiga4180 My sources are international. One, 45worlds even breaks listings down by country.