The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I picked up a beat-up portable Cheney phonograph, and a small number of 78s came along with it. Amongst them were these two Paramount red label 78s. I assume that this was the Paramount classical label, much like the red seal Victors. I am always on the lookout for Paramount 78s because of the blues artists that recorded on this label, though I never find any, and I have never seen a red label Paramount. Are these common or do they have some value? They are both in excellent condition.

Thanks.

In nice condition, the Rainbow Record sleeve is probably a bit more scarce/sellable than either of the records. I’ve put records like these two red-label Paramounts in my $1 to $5 box at shows in the past, and they didn’t sell very quickly if at all. With the release of several big Paramount box sets over the last few years, Paramount records of any kind are being appreciated/noticed by a wider audience. So perhaps they are a bit more sellable now than they used to be. The Rainbow sleeve in nice condition is rather tough to find, but still not all that valuable IMHO.

I have one red label Paramount by accordion player Frosini. edisonplayer.

Interesting how Paramount has been kinda Retconned as a “rare and expensive blues label” over the past almost century. So anything with a Paramount label commends a bit of a premium price. I Think that Rainbow sleeve is more valuable than most of the discs they put out!