I guess it’s only human nature to hope that the things we’ve collected over the years have some value beyond the sentimental. Especially if we inherited said items and have dragged them from hither and yon like a yoke around our necks!

But guessing the value of old records is a crapshoot as far as I can tell. The above recording of The Tone Poem Don Quixote was sold with a linen cover as a part of the Soria Series of classical recordings produced by Dorle and Dorio Soria for RCA Victor probably in 1958. Each came with a booklet written by experts on the subject. For Don Quixote, the booklet was written by Walter Starkie, an “authority of Spanish history and culture, an eminent scholar and writer” and illustrated by the artists inspired by Cervantes’ (Dali, Picasso, Goya and Dore)

From what I’ve been able to tell, this album plus booklet is only worth about $30 to collectors. So we shall hold onto it. I never made it through Cervantes’ masterpiece so perhaps it shall give me the motivation!

On the other hand, this album is highly sought after.

All I can say is Ugh. I guess there are a lot of conspiracy theorists out there!

I also counted about a dozen “Live on Stage” albums in our collection. I don’t really understand the allure of the live-on-stage recordings. Who wants to listen to the applause or the back and forth with the audience? Not me. However, the following recording might be interesting. I was in grammar school when it came out as was my husband so how it came into our possession is anyone’s guess.

Unless my prim and proper MIL had a Walk on the Wild Side? Noooo.

I’ve gotten tired of researching the value of old records and so I will conclude with the most valuable record set I found. From around 1946, the six record set of The Merry Widow. Estimated value $60-70.

I’m not sure I’ll be able to play this set on my record player. The discs are only 10″ and very heavy. But we’ll see. If not, I know a near-by thrift store that might welcome the donation!