Perfect Star Series 78 RPM Record 'Oh, Lady Be Good!' by Cliff Edwards

This item is a single-sided 78 RPM gramophone record, approximately 10 inches in diameter, exhibiting a distinctive reddish-brown or maroon hue. The material appears to be shellac, typical for records from the early to mid-20th century. The surface displays numerous concentric grooves, indicative of its audio recording function. The central label is visually prominent, featuring the branding 'STAR SERIES PERFECT' in an ornate, slightly art deco-inspired font. A stylized star motif with radiating lines is positioned above the 'PERFECT' text. The catalog number '11564' is clearly visible to the right of the brand name. The track title, 'Oh, Lady Be Good!', is printed below the brand, followed by a smaller annotation 'From 'Lady Be Good'' (G. Gershwin-I. Gershwin), indicating its origin in a musical. The performing artist is identified as 'CLIFF EDWARDS' with 'Ukelele and Voice' specified as his instrumentation. The label itself is predominantly purple and gold/yellow, with black text, and is in good condition with minor signs of age-related discoloration or wear. The record's playing surface shows visible signs of use, including numerous light scratches and scuffs that appear to run circumferentially and radially across the disc. There are also some surface anomalies or smudges that might be dirt or wear. The outer edge shows some minor chips and imperfections, particularly noticeable in the upper left quadrant of the main image, suggesting a degree of fragility consistent with shellac records. The overall condition suggests a well-used but still intact vintage record, likely dating from the 1920s or 1930s, given the artist, format, and label design. The craftsmanship is standard for commercial record production of the era.

Based on my visual examination of the provided image, I can assert that this is an authentic Perfect Star Series 78 RPM record, catalog number 11564, featuring Cliff Edwards performing 'Oh, Lady Be Good!'. The label design, artist, and format are entirely consistent with records produced in the late 1920s or early 1930s. The reddish-brown shellac and the purple and gold label are characteristic of this series. Regarding condition, the record displays significant wear. The playing surface exhibits numerous light scratches and scuffs, which will undoubtedly impact playback quality, likely introducing considerable surface noise. There are also some smudges that could be dirt or ingrained wear. The outer edge shows minor chips, typical for shellac over decades. These condition issues significantly depress the value for collectors focused on playability or pristine aesthetics. Cliff Edwards was a popular artist of his era, but this specific recording is not considered a top-tier rarity. While early shellac records have a collector base, market demand for common titles in this condition is moderate. Comparables for common Cliff Edwards 78s in similar 'good' or 'fair' condition typically fetch between $15 and $40. High-grade examples or rare pressings would command more. Factors impacting value: The historical significance of Cliff Edwards (Ukulele Ike), the iconic Gershwin song, and the visually appealing label contribute positively. However, the poor playability due to surface wear is a major detractor. Without a physical inspection, I cannot ascertain the depth of the scratches or detect any hairline cracks, warps, or lamination issues that would further reduce value. A physical spin on a turntable would be essential to fully assess playback quality and confirm the extent of surface noise for a more precise valuation.