Mantovani Orchestra Appraisal

Mantovani and His Orchestra - Waltzes of Irving Berlin Vinyl LP

This is a vintage 12-inch long-playing (LP) vinyl record album featuring 'Mantovani and His Orchestra' performing the 'Waltzes of Irving Berlin,' released on the London Records label. The cover art features a classic mid-century aesthetic, depicting a woman in a white lace negligee reclining on a rug near a record console, surrounded by other Mantovani album covers. The color palette is dominated by warm orange and sepia tones in the background, contrasting with the teal and white of the foreground elements. Historically, this release (catalog number LL 1452) dates back to approximately 1956, representing the 'Easy Listening' or 'Exotica' genre of the era. The cover displays signs of age-appropriate wear, including corner dings, edge fraying, and a light yellowing of the cardboard sleeve, often referred to as 'foxing' or shelf wear. The London Records crest is clearly visible in the top right corner. The jacket is constructed of heavy cardstock with a glossy front lamination common for the period. While the vinyl record itself is not fully visible, the sleeve's condition suggests it has been handled, likely possessing light surface marks or 'whispy' scratches consistent with vintage playback equipment. The overall craftsmanship of the print remains sharp, indicating a high-quality original pressing rather than a later budget reissue.