I was browsing through a recent Orvis catalog and I ran across these 78 RPM record coasters.

The Orvis website says "During the 1950s, 78 rpm records dominated the sonic landscape. Re-live the golden age of the 78s with these repurposed vinyl record coasters. Cut from vintage 78s, laminated, and backed with felt, these are the perfect gift for the music fan in your life. Set of four. Each set will be unique in selection." Each set of four is $29 USD.

I was fascinated by this and ordered two sets, but I must confess I had some mixed feelings about it.

Let me explain: They are beautifully done, preserving those wonderful old 78 RPM record labels, and then on the reverse side it tells about the record.

But then there's this: 78 RPM records are being destroyed to make these! Argghh! These are imported to the USA from England, so part of me says "Selling England by the Pound" but the other part of me says "Cool!"

So tell me your thoughts. Good? Bad? Fun? Maybe I'm just overthinking this.

Well, in any event, I'm tipping my glass towards those beautiful old 78s for a hearty "Cheers!" while lamenting their passing.