The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I would like to know how to find out what the value is of Berliner and Zon-o-phone 7 inch records. What makes some of them rare, is it the recording artist or the name of the record ? Does a book exist which helps determine values as in coin collecting ?

There are several factors that make a record valuable. And you won't find that out until you put it on the market. Artists, title, age, and condition usually have the general influence.

Some records can reach crazy prices but usually only until the deep pocket bidders have their copy and most of these records are not unique.

To my knowledge there is no value guide for these records and if there was, it would not reflect the real value at all. I have seen the same pressings going for value X and later at 1/10 of that. Put them on ebay and see what it will goe for. The seller's reputation does also make a huge change in what people are willing to bid on.

Not Berliner or Zon-o-phone specific but the only catalog that I know of is Dock's "American Premium Record Guide", but as Tim Gracyk points out on his webpage under the "What's the Value of 78 Records"...handle that tome with care. Take a look at Tim's articles, they are good general knowledge. I'd agree with the other poster, the best indications of potential value are auction sale prices...taken over the long- term. For Berliner...amongst the first in the field, age, smaller pressing numbers, all affect percieved rarity and prices. John