MGM Shellac 78 RPM Record by Blue Barron and His Orchestra (not authenticated)

This is a vintage 78 RPM phonograph record featuring a yellow and black paper center label from MGM Records. The physical support is a black shellac disc with standard concentric grooving visible extending outward from the center label. The central spindle hole shows minor wear and chipping around the perimeter. The circular paper label is predominantly yellow with a black horizontal band across the upper portion containing the large, bold capital letters 'M-G-M'. Above the central band is an illustration of a roaring lion's head flanked by stars and a registered trademark symbol. The lower half of the label displays black printed text providing recording and compositional details. Visible text on the label includes 'METROLITE NON-BREAKABLE Under Normal Use', the catalog number '30687-B', the matrix number 'M-G-M 180', the song title 'BLUE MOMENTS (WITHOUT YOU DEAR)', songwriting credits '(Davidson-Berman-Fields)', the performing artist 'BLUE BARRON and his Orchestra', and manufacturing text reading 'M-G-M RECORDS - A DIVISION OF LOEW'S INCORPORATED - Made in U. S. A.'. Additionally, the matrix number '30687B' is stamped into the run-out groove area of the black vinyl-like shellac material just below the label. The item shows moderate surface dust and microscopic scuffing consistent with age and storage, but no major cracks or structural fractures are apparent from the image. The attribution in the name rests directly on the clearly legible printed text and brand logos displayed across the central paper label. This piece is stylistic of mid-20th-century popular music recordings, specifically the post-World War II era of shellac and early vinyl formulations.

Based on what I can see in the provided image, this item appears to be a vintage 78 RPM record bearing the MGM label, featuring the title 'Blue Moments (Without You Dear)' attributed to Blue Barron and His Orchestra. The circular paper label displays clear branding and typography consistent with mid-20th-century shellac pressings, specifically utilizing Metrolite non-breakable material. However, I cannot verify from a photo alone whether the disc is an original period pressing or a later reproduction, nor can I assess the actual playability, groove wear, or sound quality without physical inspection. The estimated value range of $10 to $25 reflects typical secondary market behavior for popular music 78 RPM records of this era in moderate condition, assuming the attribution shown on the label is accurate. Demand for mid-century shellac records is generally modest, largely confined to niche collectors of vintage pop and big band music, which keeps price points relatively accessible. If physical inspection were to reveal that this piece is a later copy, replica, or in the style of a vintage release rather than a period-appropriate pressing, the market value would likely drop to nominal decorative value, near zero to $5. To fully evaluate and confirm the authenticity, condition, and pressing era of this piece, an in-person examination by a recorded sound archivist or vinyl expert would be required, alongside detailed inspection of the run-out matrix stampings and shellac composition.