M-G-M Records Shellac 78 RPM Record (not authenticated)

The item presented is a vintage shellac 78 RPM phonograph record housed in a branded paper sleeve, typical of mid-20th-century audio media. The record features a vibrant yellow and black paper label in the center, prominently displaying the M-G-M Records logo alongside textual details including the track title "SERENADE IN BLUE", credited to Blue Barron and his Orchestra, with matrix and catalog numbers visible such as 30689-A. The surrounding paper sleeve is constructed of brown and black kraft paper, heavily decorated with large typography reading "M-G-M Records THE GREATEST NAME IN ENTERTAINMENT" at the top and "Pressed on METROLITE NON-BREAKABLE under Normal Use" towards the bottom, interspersed with decorative star motifs. The physical condition exhibits moderate signs of age, including edge wear, creasing, and discoloration on the paper sleeve, while the visible portion of the record displays standard surface characteristics consistent with historical sound recordings. Manufacturing details visible directly on the label and sleeve suggest production by M-G-M Records, a division of Loew's Incorporated, manufactured in the U.S.A. The aesthetic is strongly characteristic of post-World War II commercial popular music packaging. The attribution rests entirely on the legible printed branding and typography found directly on both the record label and the accompanying paper sleeve, though the authenticity of the specific pressing or the integrity of the media remains unverified without physical playback and detailed matrix groove inspection.

Based on what I can see in the provided image, the item is presented as a vintage M-G-M Records shellac 78 RPM phonograph record featuring the track 'Serenade in Blue' by Blue Barron and his Orchestra, housed in a branded kraft paper sleeve. The visible markings, typography, and color schemes suggest production consistent with post-World War II commercial popular media. However, I can't verify from a photo whether the disc is an authentic period pressing or the actual condition of the playing surfaces. The appraisal value provided assumes the attribution is correct and that the media is in playable, well-preserved condition. General market demand for mid-20th-century popular 78 RPM records remains relatively modest, as these are commonly found by collectors, keeping typical market values low unless associated with scarce jazz, blues, or early rock-and-roll genres. To fully evaluate and confirm the authenticity, pressing date, and condition of this piece, an in-person examination by a vinyl media specialist would be required, along with a detailed visual inspection of the matrix grooves and playback testing. If this item were to turn out to be a later reproduction, replica, or copy rather than a period-appropriate pressing, the value would be reduced to nominal or decorative levels, likely under $5.