1977 Recording Appraisal

Boris Karloff Narrates: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow & Rip Van Winkle (1977)

This item is a vintage spoken word audio recording presented as a vinyl record within a gatefold or boxed album cover. The overall dimensions appear to be consistent with a standard 12-inch LP album. The cover artwork is prominently featured, divided into two main sections illustrating the two narrated stories. The upper section depicts a spectral figure on horseback, consistent with the Headless Horseman from 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,' rendered in shades of blue, white, and black against a dark background. The lower section portrays Rip Van Winkle, an older man with a long white beard, in muted earthy tones, lying with an aged appearance. The album cover is primarily black with vibrant illustrations. Text on the cover indicates 'Boris Karloff Narrates' and credits 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow' and 'Rip Van Winkle.' It also notes 'The full stories with music & sound effects,' suggesting an immersive auditory experience. The visible condition shows some wear, including what appears to be scuffing or light scratches on the black surface, particularly near the top edge and center left, indicating it has been handled and used. There might be some edge wear visible on the corners, typical for items of its age. The color fidelity of the artwork seems well-preserved despite the visible surface wear. The presence of '1977' in the context suggests its manufacturing date, placing it within the late 1970s. This item is a cultural artifact, showcasing the iconic voice talent of Boris Karloff for classic American literature. The 'lightly used' condition implies that while not pristine, it has been cared for, and its primary function as an audio recording should still be intact.