Edison Record Appraisal

Edison Record 80841-L A Waltz In The Moonlight And You

This item is a vintage Edison Record, specifically catalog number 80841-L. The record is a 78 RPM shellac disc, characterized by its distinctive black color and glossy finish. Shellac records are thicker and more brittle than modern vinyl, prone to breakage if mishandled, though this particular example appears intact from the visible portion. The central label is beige or light tan with a decorative black border featuring a checkerboard-like pattern. The predominant text on the label includes the prominent 'EDISON RECORD' logo, accompanied by a small portrait of a man, presumably Thomas Edison or a representative figure, to the right. Below the catalog number '80841-L', the title of the musical piece is clearly printed as 'A WALTZ IN THE MOONLIGHT AND YOU', credited to 'Mitchell Parish & Alfred Selman'. The performer is identified as 'FREDERICK KINSLEY ON THE MIGHER-LOSH PIPE ORGAN'. A smaller inscription 'A PRODUCT OF THE EDISON LABORATORIES' is visible on the left side of the label. An 'INDEX No.' field is present at the top. The bottom of the label displays the number '10444'. The record shows signs of use typical for its age, with some visible dust and possibly minor surface scratches that are common for shellac records and would affect playback quality, likely resulting in some surface noise. The label itself appears generally clean with minimal fading, though the contrast in the image makes it slightly difficult to discern finer details of wear. Given the 'Edison Record' branding and the shellac material, this record likely dates to the early to mid-20th century, probably from the 1920s or 1930s, aligning with the era of 78 RPM record production by Edison. The craftsmanship of the label is consistent with mass-produced records of that period, focusing on clear legibility and branding.