78 records

[wilhelmina]

is there a market for these old 78 speed records?

[andy-hughes]

It depends on the old faithfuls - which artists you have, and the age, condition, and rarity of the discs.

Get a copy of Record Collector magazine, and contact some dealers for ideas of prices. They usually look for a hundred per cent markup, so they will offer you around half what the discs are worth to them at sale.

[wilhelmina]

thanks andy-hughes,
we live in zambia and have a stack of these old records that ware passed down after our parents died, they are in good nick and most of them are still in their covers!!!

wilhelmina.

[reinganum]

andy (above) has mentioned Record Collector magazine but for them the world began in 1955 and they are only (repeat only) interested in rock 'n' roll records.

Two things are crucial: the condition, and the content. (I speak as one who has collected 78s for over 40 years.)
Classical 78s are of little interest unless they are vocal recordings. The reason is simple; if you want to listen to a historical recording of a symphony, for example, you want it on a re-mastered CD (sound better than the originals!) and you don't have to change the record every 5 minutes.

Other than rock 'n' roll, the other type of 78 which can be quite valuable is jazz. The labels and artist will give you some sort of clue.

Give us some more information on the artists on your record and I could offer some further help. From what you say the condition of these records could be quite good.

[andy-hughes]

You are most welcome - good luck with your sales.

[wilhelmina]

thank you reinganum,
i do have some very popular artists but you must give me more time to go through and select the more important ones! I agree....it takes some patience to play them!!! The other poroblem is, I live in Zambia, Central Africa and see it could cause a major headache getting them to where they will be going. I think it is such a pity but perhaps they will have to be buried along with me!
regards,
Wilhelmina.

[reinganum]

Sadly, Wilhelmina, you are right. I don't know of any collectors in Africa except at opposite ends of the continent - I used to subscribe to a few collector mags a few years ago and there were one or two in Cape Town and the odd collector in Egypt and Morocco.

Other than the UK the main interest in 78s is (in Europe) Holland, Germany, Belgium and Scandinavia, and outside Europe in the USA and Canada. If you're staying put, those records might well have to be buried with you, since their weight means that shipping costs will not be economic. (Unless, of course, you find a kind collector who will buy the lot and pay shipping.)

Best advice is to use the internet to fullest advantage; research collectors and see if anyone is interested.

[wilhelmina]

dear reinganum,
thanks for your trouble.... would like to wish you a very healthy and prosperous 2007.
regards,
wilhelmina.