AI Appraisal Estimate

This item is a 78 RPM shellac record featuring two songs performed by Bing Crosby: 'Little Angel' and 'Little White Lies'. The record is circular, typical of its format, and appears to be approximately 10 inches in diameter, a common size for 78 RPM records. The material is black shellac, which is characteristic of records produced between the late 1890s and the late 1950s. The surface exhibits a glossy finish, though there are visible signs of wear including light scratches and scuffs across the playing surface, indicative of its age and use. The central paper label is predominantly deep blue with gold-colored text and features the iconic 'DECCA' logo in a stylized, bold font. Below the label, the song title 'Little Angel' is clearly printed, along with 'BING CROSBY' as the performer, likely accompanied by 'HARRY OWENS' (as suggested by the context) and his Royal Hawaiians. Other details on the label include 'Vocal with Instrumental Acc.' and a catalog number or matrix number that appears to be '1845 B'. The condition shows some dust and minor surface imperfections, but no obvious cracks or chips are visible from the image, which would significantly impact playability and value. The grooves appear intact but show some signs of interaction with a stylus. This record represents an example of early to mid-20th-century audio recording technology and popular music, likely dating to the late 1930s or early 1940s based on the artist, label, and format.

I've examined the provided image and details for this Bing Crosby - Little Angel / Little White Lies Decca 78 RPM record. Visually, the record appears authentic for a Decca 78 from the era, with the characteristic blue label and gold text. The catalog number '1845 B' aligns with Bing Crosby releases on Decca from the late 1930s to early 1940s. The condition, as described and visible, shows light scratches and scuffs, indicating general use over time. While no major cracks or chips are apparent, surface imperfections and dust are noted. These typical signs of wear will undoubtedly affect playback quality. Shellac records are inherently fragile, and cumulative minor surface wear significantly impacts value for collectors seeking pristine examples. In terms of market conditions, Bing Crosby is a highly prolific artist with a vast discography. While iconic, many of his common 78 RPM releases, like this one, are not considered rare due to the sheer volume produced. The demand for common 78s, even by famous artists, is generally low unless they are in exceptional condition or represent particularly obscure/rare pressings. This particular release, 'Little Angel' c/w 'Little White Lies,' is a relatively common Bing Crosby record. The most significant factors impacting value here are the commonality of the release and the visual evidence of moderate wear. For full authentication, I would ideally need to physically inspect the record to assess groove wear more accurately, verify the exact pressing variant (sometimes subtle label differences exist), and confirm the integrity of the shellac free from warping or hidden cracks. However, based on the information provided, this is a common commercial release in typical used condition for its age.