Sergei Rachmaninoff Appraisal

RCA Victor 'Red Seal' De Luxe Edition: Rachmaninoff Concerto No. 2 (Arthur Rubinstein)

This item is a vintage RCA Victor 'Red Seal' De Luxe Edition of Rachmaninoff Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 18, featuring Arthur Rubinstein as the pianist and the NBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by Vladimir Goldschmann. The item is presented in a hardbound album-style cover, indicative of being a multi-record set, likely 78 RPM records given the 'non-breakable' label, which was a common feature for shellac records as an improvement over earlier, more brittle formulations. The cover measures approximately 12 inches by 10 inches and features a sophisticated design. The top portion of the cover is a dark, matte black, contrasting with the main body, which transitions from a faded blue on the left to a light tan or off-white on the right, creating a gradient effect. The typography is primarily in gold, adding to the 'De Luxe Edition' aesthetic. The prominent feature is the large, elegant golden facsimile signature of 'Arthur Rubinstein' stretched across the center of the cover. Textual information is also in gold, including the composition details ('RACHMANINOFF CONCERTO NO. 2 in C Minor, Op. 18') presented in a box on the right, and performer details ('ARTUR RUBINSTEIN, Pianist. NBC Symphony Orchestra - Vladimir Goldschmann conducting') on the left. The RCA Victor 'Red Seal Records' logo is visible on the far right. The top black strip clearly states 'RCA VICTOR "RED SEAL" DE LUXE EDITION' and 'NON-BREAKABLE', with the latter suggesting records made of improved shellac or early vinyl. The overall condition appears to be good for its age, with some minor wear visible, particularly around the edges and corners, consistent with handling and storage. There are no obvious major tears or significant water damage, though a slight scuff or faint mark might be discerned on the lower right corner. The craftsmanship suggests a high-quality production for its era, designed to protect and present a significant classical recording.