Haydn Symphony Appraisal

Victor Musical Masterpiece: Haydn Symphony No. 86 in D Major 78 RPM Album Set

This is a vintage multi-disc 78 RPM record album set featuring Joseph Haydn's Symphony No. 86 in D Major, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra and conducted by Bruno Walter. The item is part of the prestigious 'Victor Musical Masterpiece' series, a collection noted for high-quality classical recordings during the mid-20th century. Physically, the album consists of a heavy-weight cardstock binder with a textured finish. The exterior features a two-tone design with a black spine and top border, contrasted by a muted sage green face. The front cover is printed with dark brown/burgundy typography and Art Deco-inspired graphic motifs. Central text identifies the composer, work, conductor, and orchestra. Regarding condition, visible shelf wear is present along the edges and corners, with minor scuffing on the flat surfaces. The binding appears intact but shows age-related darkening and some softening at the stress points. This specific release typically dates back to the late 1930s or early 1940s, representing the 'Golden Age' of orchestral recording on shellac discs. The craftsmanship reflects the durability required for heavy shellac records, featuring stiff internal sleeves designed to protect the fragile contents while offering a book-like presentation for the listener's library.