AI Appraisal Estimate

This is a vintage 10-inch 78 RPM shellac record produced by RCA Victor Division of Radio Corporation of America in Camden, New Jersey. The disc features a purple label with silver printing, identifying the track as 'Eine Rodel-Rodel-Rutschpartie-Foxtrott' (A Sleigh Ride) by Das FFB Orchester, conducted by Siegfried Ulbrich with vocals by Ruth Zillger and Wilhelm Walter. The catalog number is 25-4160, and it is marked as a 'German' recording. It includes the iconic 'His Master's Voice' trademark showing Nipper the dog listening to a gramophone. The record is housed in its original light brown/tan paper company sleeve, which features bold red typography and graphics, including marketing slogans in both English and Spanish ('The World's Greatest Artists Are On RCA Victor Records' / 'Los más grandes Artistas del Mundo graban en Discos RCA Victor'). The paper sleeve shows significant signs of age and handling, including deep creasing, wrinkling, and edge wear. The record label appears relatively well-preserved, though there is visible surface wear and light scratching on the shellac disc itself consistent with extensive play. Based on the label style and manufacturing location, this likely dates to the late 1940s or early 1950s.

I have conducted a visual examination of the RCA Victor 78 RPM record (25-4160), featuring 'Eine Rodel-Rodel-Rutschpartie-Foxtrott.' The purple label and silver printing indicate a late 1940s to early 1950s 'International' series pressing. Authenticity appears consistent with manufacturing standards of the RCA Victor Camden plant; the 'His Master's Voice' trademark and typography align with known production runs. The condition is rated as 'Good' (G) to 'Very Good' (VG) for the disc and 'Fair' for the sleeve. Visible scuffing and surface scratches suggest frequent play, which on shellac typically results in audible surface noise. The sleeve suffers from significant creasing and structural fatigue. The market for mid-century German-language specialty records is niche. While 'Das FFB Orchester' and Siegfried Ulbrich are recognized names in German light music, this specific title is not a high-demand rarity. Collectors generally seek these items for nostalgic value or specific archival gaps rather than as high-growth investments. Comparable RCA Victor international series 78s from this era typically hammer at auction between $10 and $30 depending on the desirability of the specific performance. Several limitations exist in this digital appraisal. I cannot assess the degree of groove wear or heat-induced warping from images alone. A physical inspection is required to check for 'graying' of the grooves (indicating permanent wear) or hairline cracks not visible to the eye. For definitive authentication, I would verify the matrix numbers in the dead wax and cross-reference RCA's ledger archives. Provenance documentation would enhance current value but would not significantly shift the ceiling for this common-era mass-produced media.