RARE U.K. 1965 Textured Blue & Silver Label TOPIC 12” L.P. re-press/re-issue of Sonny Terry’s ‘Harmonica Blues’ (Catalogue Reference: TOPIC 12T30). The matrixes here read ‘320-A’ (Side One) and ‘320-B’ (Side Two). I would think this was the 1st pressing of this 1965 12” re-issue as the rear flip-back indicates that the pressing was ‘checked’ on 26/2/1965. The original issue of this was on a TOPIC 10” pressing in the late 1950s. This is about one of the heaviest pieces of British-pressed vinyl I have ever encountered. It is also a nice quality pressing with a raised edge/rim and textured labels. The vinyl is stored in a very thin (i.e. so thin it doesn’t have a spine), front-laminated sleeve which features flip-backs top and bottom on the rear and which was manufactured by West Brothers, Mitcham. This comes from my personal collection and is going because I have never bothered playing it although it was purchased second-hand. While not perfect it is a very fine example of this rare TOPIC L.P.
CONDITION: EX (VINYL) / EX (SLEEVE): This has definately seen some play but remains in fine condition. It is certainly dusty. Like all my items this has been graded under an intense light. There are a relative volume of ultra-fine hairline marks which seem to primarily result from fingers brushing across the playing surface. It is also clear that some of the dust which is on the playing surface has likely been trapped between the paper sleeve and the vinyl surface while the vinyl was removed and also contributed to this marking. The surfaces really shine. There are limited spindle ‘drags’ around the spindle holes evident on the labels on both sides. The sleeve has survived in excellent condition considering it’s construction (flimsy, thin and prone to damage). The vinyl has left an ‘impression’ on both sides of the sleeve which largey stops short of actual creasing. There is a crease following the outline of the record on the rear in the top right-hand corner which I have attempted to capture in the attached images (alongside the aforementioned writing on the sleeve). The sleeve is basically pretty flat and that is rare for constructions of this type and of this age. The lamination on the front retains a certain ‘fresh’ appearance. The bottom right-hand corner on the front has received a light knock which has caused a small crease in this corner. The first thing you note about the rear is that it has definately yellowed with age. Brown staining is evident which largely follows the outline of the record. The bottom flip-back in the left-hand corner has started to come unstuck and this is perhaps a result of the flip-back having been caught at some point in time. There is a litle wear to this flip-back in the bottom right-hand corner. This remains a more than solid copy of a rare TOPIC L.P.!
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.
