That is EXACTLY what I was looking for . Robert Wright wrote: > Sorry Thatcher, that's the second time you've asked. I guess no one > stepped up because it's a really difficult question to answer! > There's no way to really generalize it. > > I started with Les Docks' Record Guide: > http://www.amazon.com/American-Premium-Record-Guide-1900-1965/dp/087349282X/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1204922556&sr=8-1 > > > > It told me certain labels to look out for, like the Brunswick > "lightening bolt", and certain series of labels like Okeh 8000's and > Victor 23000's. In fact, I went through the whole book and put > together a list of large groups of records like that, that he found > valuable. The problem with this method is that you're going on what > ONE other person considers valuable. > > For instance, most Zonophone records are fairly common and not > particularly valuable (rarer than Victor batwings labels, sure, but > not considered super-scarce). Similarly, Caruso discs, the majority > of them, though well-loved by many collectors, are also next to > worthless, as they sold millions of copies and there are still plenty > of them around. BUT -- if you have a Zonophone disc with Caruso on > it, you're holding what is considered (especially by opera collectors) > one of the most valuable records ever pressed. > > That's one example of thousands, and I am perhaps employing a bit of > hyperbole to make the point, but that's what it's like, that's why > it's so difficult. How many records are in your collection? Have you > ever compiled a list of them on your computer? (I haven't, I don't > know how many of us here have.) It's a great deal of trouble, but you > could search eBay for exact copies of each record you own. You'll see > patterns emerge pretty quickly, I would think. Because all this said, > I have to admit that eBay listings have easily been my biggest source > of education with regard to the value of individual records. > > Personally, I'm not in the market for any more 78's as I simply don't > have room for what I currently own, even. I would be glad to answer > specific questions about specific discs off-list, if you like, and try > to help you get started recognizing valuable discs in your own > hunting. (And I flatly refuse to buy any of them from you, so no > worries there. I have no agenda.) > > > Best, > Robert > > > > > ----- Original Message ----- From: "Thatcher Graham" > <[email protected]> > To: "Antique Phonograph List" <[email protected]> > Sent: Friday, March 07, 2008 1:04 PM > Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Shellac records and damage from steel needles > > >> That begets a question for me. How do I know what 78s in my >> collection are valuable? > > _______________________________________________ > Phono-L mailing list > http://phono-l.oldcrank.org
-- Thatcher Graham Senior Field Engineer ph. 610-578-0800 x214 cell: 484-354-6918 fx. 610-578-0804 Mediaguide 1000 Chesterbrook Blvd. STE 150 Berwyn, PA 19312
