Bing Crosby Merry Christmas 78 rpm Original 1945 first edition (Decca A)
$
35
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Description
1. The 5-Record Set (Decca A-403)
The original 1945 release actually contained five 10-inch 78 rpm records, not four.
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The "Odd" Track: To fill the 5th record, Decca included "Danny Boy," which was the B-side to "I'll Be Home for Christmas." This track was later removed in the 1947 reissue to make the album strictly Christmas-themed.
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The Original "White Christmas": Your set contains the 1942 original master of "White Christmas." This is the version that became a wartime anthem. By 1947, the physical master plate for this recording had literally worn out from pressing millions of copies, which is why Bing had to re-record it for later editions.
2. Why Seven Sleeves?
It is common to find these "book-style" 78 rpm albums with more sleeves than records.
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Standard Manufacturing: Decca often used a standardized 7-sleeve "binder" for their larger "Personality Series" sets. Even if the album only called for 5 records, they would use the 7-sleeve book and leave the last two empty (or use them for promotional flyers).
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Bonus Storage: Many original owners used those extra two sleeves to store other 78s they bought separately, like Bing’s Silent Night or Faith of Our Fathers singles that weren't part of the core set.
3. Rarity & Value
The blue-cover A-403 is more desirable to "purist" collectors than the red A-550.
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Condition is everything: Because it is an older, heavier set, the spine of the blue "book" is often cracked or taped. If your spine is intact and the blue color hasn't faded to a dull grey, it's a great find.
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Check the 5th Record: See if you have Decca 18570 (I'll Be Home for Christmas / Danny Boy). If all five original records are present and match the 1945 catalog, you have a complete first-run piece of music history.
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