Arthur Rubinstein Appraisal

Rubinstein, Mozart Concertos 21 and 23 Vinyl LP (RCA Victor)

This is a vintage vinyl LP record album, specifically 'Rubinstein, Mozart Concertos 21 and 23' with the orchestra conducted by Alfred Wallenstein. The album cover is predominantly black with an abstract, earthy-toned image (possibly a sculpture or rock formation) in the center, featuring shades of orange, brown, and dark red, suggestive of a molten or carved texture. The title, artist, and conductor information are printed in white and yellow text on the upper right quadrant of the cover. The album appears to be a standard 12-inch LP size, likely constructed from cardboard for the sleeve and vinyl for the record itself. Visible condition issues include significant surface wear, characterized by numerous scuffs, scratches, and abrasions across the entire surface of the album cover. There are also visible creases and wear along the edges and corners, indicating the album has been handled and stored over time. The corners appear slightly blunted and there is some white showing along the edges where the black laminate has worn off. A production number, 'LM-2534', is visible in the upper left corner. The small RCA Victor company logo is present in the lower right corner, confirming the manufacturer. Based on the provided context, the record was copyrighted in 1962, placing it within the early-to-mid 1960s period. The overall appearance suggests a 'lightly used' condition, which implies the record inside may also exhibit some signs of use, but the primary visual assessment is of the well-worn cover. The craftsmanship of the cover design is typical of mid-century record album art, focusing on a strong visual element combined with clear typography for essential information.