Now we go to a conundrum we have mentioned before: How do you value a sealed record without knowing its provenance and then, once you have it, what do you do with it? In this case the record is: Donald Byrd, Off the the Races, Blue Note 4007. This is a mono pressing and the factory seal is still on it. There is no indication of Liberty on the back cover — it looks like an original back cover. The seller, Euclid Records, one of the most credible in our community, makes no claims about the record’s originality and offers no hype. We’ve seen records like this and they’ve been originals, we’ve seen records like this and they’ve been later pressings, New York USA or Liberty. So what would you bid on this record? And, I assume you would open it as soon as you got it, so is there a huge value in purchasing it sealed? This one is priced at more than $150 and there are still three days to go.

Here are two records we mentioned yesterday, different copies, and so far neither one of them has received a bid: Freddie Redd, Shades of Redd, Blue Note 4045. This one is described as an original although the seller, who we know and respect, would be wise to include a picture of the labels and back cover in order to get top dollar, which he is seeking. The record is in M- condition and the cover looks like VG++. The start price is $749.99 and so far there are no bidders with about a day left. The copy that we mentioned yesterday was M-/VG+ and sold for about $720. From the same seller is Kenny Dorham, Round Midnight at the Cafe Bohemia, Blue Note 1524. This one includes pictures of both labels, which clearly show the Lexington Avenue address on both sides. The record is described as VG++/Mint minus condition and the cover looks to be VG+. The start price is also $749.99 and there are also no bidders. The one we mentioned yesterday was around VG++ for the record and cover and it sold for more than $1,250.