Original U.K. 1982 Silver Injection-Moulded label Polydor Records 45 pressing of The Jam’s ‘The Bitterest Pill (I Ever Had to Swallow)’ backed with ‘Pity Poor Alfie’ and ‘Fever’ (Catalogue Reference: Polydor Records POSP 505). I would think this was an early pressing but the matrixes make me none the wiser. The A-Side matrix reads ‘603 POSP 505 A POLYGRAM’ with the B-Side matrix reading ‘603 POSP 505 B POLYGRAM’. The sleeve is a fully-laminated card construction with a curved opening edge. This copy has clearly only seen limited play and is a very fine example.
CONDITION: EX/EX+ (VINYL) / EX (SLEEVE): I wouldn’t think this copy has seen heavy play. The surfaces really shine and while there is a relative volume of ultra-fine hairline marks evident on the very rim of the record these generally don’t extend across the playing surface itself. These hairline marks are mainly a result of the record’s movement while sitting in the sleeve. The lamination on the sleeve displays a little wear but is still pretty ‘fresh’ in appearance. There is a crease following the outline of the record in the top left-hand corner on the front and another in the top left-hand corner on the rear. There is a little wear along the opening edge but otherwise there is nothing else to say. Overall, this is a very fine example of this record!
GRADINGS – How I Grade
My items are visually graded under an intense light using my nearly 20 years of experience buying and playing records. I am a record collector first and foremost. I would say my grading is on the conservative side however, it is also realistic. Realistic in the sense that sometimes even brand new records are not immaculate. Some items are play-graded and where this is the case it will be noted in the Item Description. Please note that it is my assertion that 99.9% of issues which might be experienced upon playback of a record can be identified through visual grading. I’m a longstanding Ebayer so please feel free to check my feedback if you have any concerns about the quality of the items I list. As always please review my images if you have any concern about the condition of a sleeve! A picture speaks a thousand words!
GRADINGS - Description
MINT – If used to describe the condition of a record the item will be sealed. Mint will rarely be used to describe the condition of a sleeve however, it will mean the item is sealed and no storage damage is evident.
NEAR MINT – When used to describe a record it will mean that it is hard to discern that the disc has been played. When viewed under an intenselight there might be the odd hairline mark however, you would really have to look hard for it. Ultimately, the vinyl will look like it has just been made. When used to describe a sleeve it will mean that the sleeve has no shelf-wear or storage damage. The sleeve will look like new.
EXCELLENT+ - There will be an indication that the record has seen some play but not heavy play. When viewed under an intense light only the tiniest, wispiest hairline markings will be present and not excessively so. The vinyl will retain a great sheen. A sleeve described as EX+ will display minimal shelf or storage wear including an odd crease or the stubbing of corners, slight fraying to the opening edge. Ultimately, the sleeve will still be a superior example.
EXCELLENT – There might be an indication that the record has seen a reasonable amount of play and handling however, it has been well looked after. Superficial surfaces scuffs may be present but no marks of real substance (i.e. which will affect playback). Under an intense light it is likely that a relative volume of hairline marks are present. A sleeve described as EX will display shelf or storage wear including creasing, loss of print (due to rubbing), possible stubbing of corners etc. The sleeve will not display any substantial flaws. Ultimately, it will be a solid copy.
VERY GOOD+ - I will rarely list vinyl for sale described as VG+. Any vinyl listed as VG+ will have a detailed condition description included in the listing. The description VG+ is more often used to describe sleeves. Often VG+ describes the condition of a sleeve which was of very cheap manufacture (think 1970s EMI sleeves or Polydor late 60s/early 70s) and therefore more prone to display the vagaries of time. A sleeve described as VG+ will not be a basket case. It will likely display a reasonable volume of creasing, a reasonable amount of rubbing/stubbing and possible the odd substantial flaw.
