George Thorogood and The Destroyers - Maverick Vinyl Album Appraisal
Category: Music Album
Description
The item is a vinyl record album cover for "Maverick" by George Thorogood and The Destroyers. It appears to be a standard 12-inch LP record sleeve, likely made of coated cardstock paper. The cover features a prominent black and white photographic portrait of George Thorogood, depicted from the chest up, looking directly outwards. He is wearing a distinctive jacket with a textured, possibly snakeskin or abstract spotted pattern, rendered in shades of black, white, and grey with subtle hints of blue or teal. The background behind him is muted, transitioning from darker to lighter tones. All text on the cover is printed, with "GEORGE THOROGOOD" and "AND THE destroyer" in white uppercase letters, and "maverick" in a smaller, stylized font, also in white. A notable distinguishing feature is the handwritten inscription "ScOtt" in what appears to be a black or dark marker in the upper right quadrant of the cover, potentially a personalized signature or dedication. Above the 'T' in 'THOROGOOD' and to the left of the 'S' in 'ScOtt', there is a small red circular sticker or marking. The overall condition shows some visible wear, typical of an item of its age, including minor scuffs or subtle creasing along the edges and corners, though no significant tears or severe damage are apparent. The colors maintain their vibrancy, and the image quality is still clear. This album likely dates back to the 1980s, given the style of the photography and album art, and aligns with the period of George Thorogood's musical output. The craftsmanship of the printing appears standard for a mass-produced record album cover.
Appraisal Report
I have carefully examined the provided image of the George Thorogood and The Destroyers “Maverick” vinyl album cover. Based on its visual characteristics, it appears authentic to a standard release from the 1980s, consistent with Thorogood's discography during that period. The printing quality and design align with typical mass-produced record album artwork of the era. The condition, while showing minor wear such as scuffs and subtle creasing along edges and corners, as described, is generally good for its age, with colors remaining vibrant and the image clear. There are no apparent significant tears or severe damage. The most significant factor impacting its value is the handwritten inscription “ScOtt” in dark marker in the upper right quadrant. If this is an authentic signature by George Thorogood, it would significantly increase the value; however, based solely on the image, I cannot definitively authenticate this inscription as Thorogood's, nor can I identify the small red circular sticker. Without physical inspection, I cannot verify the type of marker used, the pressure applied, or if the inscription shows typical characteristics of genuine signatures. Moreover, I cannot assess the condition of the vinyl inside or the inner sleeve, which are crucial components of the overall item's value. Market demand for George Thorogood albums, especially signed ones, is consistent but not typically fervent unless it's a rare or highly sought-after edition. Unsigned, these albums are fairly common. For full authentication of the signature, an in-person examination by a signature expert familiar with Thorogood’s autograph would be essential, along with provenance documentation such as a certificate of authenticity or knowledge of its acquisition history. Scientific testing of the ink could also provide further insights. Market comparables for signed items vary widely depending on the authenticity and condition of the signature and the album.
Appraisal Value
$50 - $150 (if signature is unverified); $200 - $500+ (if signature is authenticated)