Sorry Thatcher, that's the second time you've asked. I guess no one stepped up because it's a really difficult question to answer! There's no way to really generalize it. I started with Les Docks' Record Guide: http://www.amazon.com/American-Premium-Record-Guide-1900-1965/dp/087349282X/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1204922556&sr=8-1 It told me certain labels to look out for, like the Brunswick "lightening bolt", and certain series of labels like Okeh 8000's and Victor 23000's. In fact, I went through the whole book and put together a list of large groups of records like that, that he found valuable. The problem with this method is that you're going on what ONE other person considers valuable. For instance, most Zonophone records are fairly common and not particularly valuable (rarer than Victor batwings labels, sure, but not considered super-scarce). Similarly, Caruso discs, the majority of them, though well-loved by many collectors, are also next to worthless, as they sold millions of copies and there are still plenty of them around. BUT -- if you have a Zonophone disc with Caruso on it, you're holding what is considered (especially by opera collectors) one of the most valuable records ever pressed. That's one example of thousands, and I am perhaps employing a bit of hyperbole to make the point, but that's what it's like, that's why it's so difficult. How many records are in your collection? Have you ever compiled a list of them on your computer? (I haven't, I don't know how many of us here have.) It's a great deal of trouble, but you could search eBay for exact copies of each record you own. You'll see patterns emerge pretty quickly, I would think. Because all this said, I have to admit that eBay listings have easily been my biggest source of education with regard to the value of individual records. Personally, I'm not in the market for any more 78's as I simply don't have room for what I currently own, even. I would be glad to answer specific questions about specific discs off-list, if you like, and try to help you get started recognizing valuable discs in your own hunting. (And I flatly refuse to buy any of them from you, so no worries there. I have no agenda.) Best, Robert ----- Original Message ----- From: "Thatcher Graham" <thatcher at mediaguide.com> To: "Antique Phonograph List" <phono-l at oldcrank.org> Sent: Friday, March 07, 2008 1:04 PM Subject: Re: [Phono-L] Shellac records and damage from steel needles > That begets a question for me. How do I know what 78s in my collection > are valuable?