Victor 78 RPM Record Value Guide

This 1921 Victor Talking Machine Company release captures the peak of the acoustic recording era with the sentimental ballad 'Beautiful Annabelle Lee' performed by Charles Hart and Elliott Shaw. As a product of the world's leading label of the time, it represents a significant moment in early 20th-century American music history.

What affects the value of Victor 78 RPM Record?

• Surface condition is critical, as shellac is prone to deep scratches, cracks, and 'graying' from heavy steel needles.
• The presence of the original paper sleeve can slightly increase the desirability for collectors.
• Label clarity and the absence of spindle wear around the center hole affect the final market price.
• Historical demand for early 1920s sentimental ballads typically keeps this specific title in the $10.00 to $11.00 range.

How to Identify Victor 78 RPM Record?

• Look for the iconic 'His Master's Voice' logo featuring Nipper the dog on the paper label.
• Verify the 10-inch diameter and the heavy, brittle shellac-based material composition.
• Confirm the release date of early 1921 and the artist credits for Charles Hart and Elliott Shaw.
• Check for the Victor Talking Machine Co. branding and the specific catalog number etched in the run-out groove.

History of Victor 78 RPM Record

Released by the Victor Talking Machine Company in early 1921, this record captures the transition era of acoustic recording. The song 'Beautiful Annabelle Lee' was a popular sentimental ballad of the period. Victor was the leading label of the time, famous for its 'His Master's Voice' logo featuring Nipper the dog, which became one of the most recognized trademarks in the world.