American Pastime Appraisal

American Pastime by Three Dog Night (Vinyl Record Album Cover)

The item is a vintage vinyl record album, specifically the front cover of 'American Pastime' by Three Dog Night. The album cover features a detailed photographic collage designed to resemble a nine-compartment wooden display shelf or shadow box, filled with various objects emblematic of American culture or 'pastimes.' The wooden frame appears to be a rich, medium-brown tone with visible wood grain, suggesting a traditional or rustic aesthetic. Each compartment houses a distinct object or group of objects, rendered with considerable photographic realism, creating a trompe l'oeil effect. Starting from the top left, visible items include a pocket watch with a Mickey Mouse face, a 'Tootsie' roll wrapper, a box of 'CIGARETTES,' and possibly a coin. The second row shows a white statuette of a basketball player, a vintage camera, and a large, realistic hamburger with all toppings. The third row displays a round, red and white button with an eagle, a 'Roy Rogers' comic book, and a vintage television set with an old-fashioned revolver and two small toy cars (yellow and red) in front of it. Other compartments contain a miniature Christmas tree, a large number '3', an American flag, a baseball in an old leather glove, an 'X-LAX' box, and a round clock or mirror with a smiling child's face and two small teddy bears. The overall condition of the album cover appears good for its age, though some corner wear and slight creasing are discernible along the edges. The colors are vibrant and well-preserved. Minor scuffs or surface abrasions, typical for a used record cover, might be present but are not clearly visible. The typography for 'Three Dog Night' and 'American Pastime' is printed at the top. The album's style suggests it was produced in the 1970s, aligning with the band's active period and the visual design trends of that era, possibly around 1976 when this album was released. The craftsmanship is in the photographic art and printing quality, which effectively creates the illusion of depth and texture.