Paul Robeson Robeson's Here RARE ORIG UK Turquoise / White Label TOPIC E.P. EX+

	£		19
	$		25

Background Information

I am currently in the process of shifting a vast collection of stock which largely derives from a Record Shop which closed its doors in the early 1980s.  The stock spans a period from the early 1960s through to the early 80s with the bulk dating from the 1970s.  There are large quantities of Progressive Rock, R & B and Soul and Modern Classical.  Most of the items have sustained a single play (clearly standard practice to check for flaws upon receipt of new records back-in-the-day) however, some are obviously UNPLAYED.  The bulk of what I’m currently selling comes from this source and I’d guess it will be years before I exhaust it!

UNSOLD SHOP STOCK Original U.K. 1958 Green/Turquoise & White Label TOPIC pressing of Paul Robeson’s ‘Robeson’s Here!’ E.P. (Catalogue Reference: Topic Records Ltd TOP.32). ).  This is one of a small run of Robeson TOPIC EPs which I have for sale this week.  This consists of a flip-back sleeve (top and bottom) which is printed on both sides and which has been ‘snipped’ to create a spine.  It contains a relatively light vinyl pressing which is typical of period ‘Saga’ 45 pressings (for instance).  I wouldn’t think this has been played more than a couple of times.  It is a truly stunning copy and it is rare to find a late-50s E.P. in this kind of condition.  It is clear that this was played at the time and then has sat around for the past 50 years+.  I note very light hairline scratches around the very rim of the playing surface and it is hard to tell whether these are a product of the withdrawal from the paper inner or whether they are a product of the production process itself (the quality of some of these limited run British pressings of the time can be quite hit-and-miss).  I wouldn’t think there were more than a couple of hairline scratches on the playing surfaces themselves.  This is a conservative EXCELLENT+ grade and to be honest it really isn’t far away from near mint.  I cannot imagine you’d find a better example.  The labels are basically immaculate aside from a ‘Mecolico’ sticker which has been applied to indicate relevant taxes have been paid (this is inevitable on such a small run of pressings you see these all the time of other ‘period’ labels like Triumph Records).  I believe the sleeve is a creamy-brown colour.  The print is certainly brown but it is hard to tell whether the sleeve has yellowed (overall).  I’m certain there is yellowing of the sleeve around the exposed edges and I believe that otherwise it is the correct colour (i.e. largely creamy-brown). It has picked-up a limited amount of general grubbiness but most of this could be removed.  Each of the corners has received the lightest of knocks and there is a light bend to the bottom left-hand corner (I actually think this has been caused by the process they used to ‘snip’ the spine).  This is a flimsy construction and it is not a little astonishing that it has survived in this condition.  I’m comfortable with an EXCELLENT+ grading. 

Condition

VINYL – EXCELLENT+

SLEEVE – EXCELLENT+

Final Remarks

I simply don’t believe you’ll locate a better copy.  Robeson was a popular singer in the 50s which makes it that much more surprising that this has survived in the condition which it has.  Please check my other auctions for a run of TOPIC Robeson EPs from the same source as well as other folk collectables and rarities.  Save me as a favourite seller as there is plenty more where this came from!

General Conditions & Information

I have been a collector for in excess of 15 years now and regard myself as a conservative grader.  I know from experience that there is nothing worse than buying an item which is described with superlatives only for it to arrive and look like it has been scrapped along the floor (!).  As a rule I don’t submit anything to auction which I wouldn’t be happy receiving myself.  I endeavour to be accurate with my grading and all items are graded under an intense light.  Please take a look through my feedback as I’d like to think it speaks for itself. 

Returns Policy

If you are not entirely happy with your purchase then please contact me within 7 days of receipt.  Unless otherwise agreed the buyer is expected to meet the return postage costs.

Payment Methods

Domestic buyers can pay via Cheque, PayPal or Postal Order.  Overseas buyers are always welcome and are required to pay via PayPal.  Payment is expected within 7 days of auction end unless otherwise agreed.

Postage Costs

I have had to bring my service in-line with changes to Royal Mail Terms and Conditions effective of April 2013.  Previously items sent via standard post were automatically covered up to the value of £46.00 however, standard postage now only covers items up to the value of £20.00.  Items with an opening value >£20.00 will include domestic Signed For postage costs automatically.  Items with an opening value <=£20.00 and which complete with a value <=£20.00 will continue to be dispatched via standard post unless otherwise agreed (i.e. the buyer indicates a preference otherwise).  Items which have an opening value <=£20.00 but whose final value is >£20.00 will be subject to enhanced postage costs in order to cover the extra insurance which is required.  I hope this is as straightforward as I can make it?  Ultimately, please don’t make payment until you’ve received an invoice from me and if you aren’t happy with the invoice you receive then I’m always open to discussion.  Buyers should be aware that both Ebay and PayPal take a % of postage charges (i.e. they are higher than I’d ideally want them to be).

Multiple purchases will be subject to consolidated postage costs.  I will contact you at the end of the auction to confirm these costs.

Proof of postage is always obtained and retained.

Overseas Buyers

As noted above Overseas buyers are welcome.  If you want me to investigate potential postage costs in advance of the auction’s end then please feel free to contact me.