Fred Astaire Story GORGEOUS ORIGINAL SIGNED NUMBERED BLUE 4LP SET, ALL ARTWORK

SIGNED DAVID STONE MARTIN PIECE, ORIG CARD OUTER CASE!

You can view all of this week's listings by clicking fonky1

We pay top dollar for quality records.  If you’re looking to sell, please contact us.

This is an UNBELIEVABLE and SUPREMELY RARE set.

Produced by Norman Granz in 1952, it's an incredible packaging job of the highest quality I’ve ever seen.  There’s no evidence of fading, aging, or degrading of any of the paper art, probably due to the fact that it was kept in the original cardstock case, which I’ll describe more later...

The cover is like a fabric-covered cardboard, measuring about 13"x14".  Inside is an attached sturdy plastic binder, holding all the pieces.  ALL PERFECT.

There are many pages of photos which are on thick heavy glossy photo/picture paper.  ALL MINT.  They include of course Astaire, plus Oscar Peterson, Flip Philips, Charlie Shavers, and others.

The printed pages are thick heavy textured handmade parchment-type paper which has frayed edges (as opposed to machine cut) so each page is slightly different.  They are all MINT.

The 2 pink SILK PAGES are in stunning perfect shape.

The LIKE NEW title page is hand numbered 1356 (out of 1384) and AUTOGRAPHED BY FRED ASTAIRE in red ink.

There’s an envelope, which still has the perfect folded piece that fits under a ribbon to secure it shut, in the binder containing 6 8.5x11 David Stone Martin prints, and 1 folded piece about 12x25 that is SIGNED IN PENCIL by DSM.  They are all LIKE NEW, and it feels like I’m the first one to take them out.

The 4 Envelopes which hold the records are BEAUTIFUL.

The vinyl is BLUE, HEAVY, THICK, MONO, AND DEEP GROOVE.  

Record Grades:  1-3 are EX with 1-2 total very faint lines on each, 4 is VG+ with a few more marks.  There are a couple spindle marks on each side, in case you are ultra fastidious, showing that these were played maybe once or twice by someone without perfect aim.

SUPER ULTRA SPECIAL PART is that this one comes WITH THE TOTALLY UNHEARD OF ORIGINAL CARD STOCK CASE, printed with the title THE ASTAIRE STORY and MERCURY RECORDS on the spine.  This shell is fairly worn and a bit torn.  It is, however, the only one I can see included in the history of the sale of this rare set.  When other copies have said “complete,” they have actually been missing this piece!  The second picture shows this case as it sits on my shelf, so you can see the spine.

For international orders, we do not change the value on customs forms.  This is illegal and we could go to jail!

Our grading scale:  NM/EX/VG+/VG/VG-/G+/G/POOR  (see below for details)

All records are visually graded under multiple bright lights.

All records are vintage and not recent reissues, unless specified otherwise.

All records are packaged outside the cover in custom made oversized boxes that protect corners and ensure safe delivery.

We offer hassle-free returns. Sealed records may only be returned sealed. 

I have been buying and selling LPs for decades, and I take customer service and your satisfaction very seriously.  I value integrity and live by my word. That is why I strive to have extremely conservative and highly accurate grading.  Everything is graded visually, under a 100-watt light bulb for accuracy.  On the rare occassion that something is misgraded or if you have any issues with any item you receive, please just let us know and we will take care of it. Your satisfaction is our number one priority.  Everything is VISUALLY GRADED ONLY.  Below you will find a description of our “old-school” grading policy.

NM  The record looks basically new. There are NO hairline scratches, NO marks of ANY KIND. Some records (especially recent pressings on 180g vinyl) come new with spots of discoloration, for which we do not downgrade. I do not use NM+ or NM-, only Near Mint.  

EX  As soon as we see even the slightest, faintest line, the record is no longer Near Mint but rather goes into this category. An Excellent record can have a small handful of light marks. Only inaudible light scuffs. This grade should be considered “close to perfect.”

VG+  When a record has more than a handful of light marks, it goes into this category. More marks and a few light hairlines are acceptable here.  Nothing that will cause repeating ticks or looks like it will cause consistent background noise or anything like that.  A VG+ record will satisfy most collectors.

VG  The record can have quite a few hairlines and maybe a few scratches.  There will likely be some noise, but it should play through and be very enjoyable. These are Very Good records and will satisfy most customers, unless you have a $300,000 stereo and want your records to sound as quiet as CDs (in which case, better stick to NM and EX). Fine for parties and casual listening.

VG-  Definitely noticeable surface noise.  Scratches.  Likely will play all the way through without skipping on a standard turntable with a properly set-up arm/needle, but may not.

G+  More and deeper marks and scratches, consistent noise, possible skips.  We rarely offer records in this condition.

G    This is 1 step above POOR, which is basically unplayable but will be desirable if it’s rare enough. We rarely offer records in this condition.

POOR  It’s a wall hanging, looks good on a shelf, maybe you have a cover and need the record or vice versa. Again, we rarely sell these. 

The plural of vinyl is vinyl.