Bob Marley/Wailers-Catch A Fire LP original Zippo cover

$

71

This auction is for Bob Marley & The Wailers, CATCH A FIRE, LIMITED EDITION LIGHTER COVER LP  (ISLAND SW-9329).  The vinyl is in a very special condition, as this LP has barely been played since its purchase. Unfortunately the hinge mechanism cover no longer functions as it once did.  Please read my full description for all of the details. NOTE:  This is NOT a reissue or reprint of any sort.  This is the original 1973 US LP!

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The Cover:

This version of the album is extremely rare, as only the first 20,000 copies of the original 1973 vinyl release were encased in a sleeve depicting a Zippo lighter. The sleeve functioned as a Zippo lighter case would, opening at a side hinge to reveal the record within. However, producers soon realized that this operation would require hand-manufacture, as machinery available was not sufficient to rivet the upper and lower halves of the sleeve together. Copies of the record from these original pressings have since become collectors' items, and subsequent pressings are recognizable by their alternative cover art.

This particular copy of the special jacket has some light wear on the upper half of the Zippo "lid", namely a light corner crease in the upper right.  The bottom half of the cover still retains its original shrinkwrap, keeping most of it fully protected from any wear.  Unfortunately the hinge mechanism is no longer functional, and there has been some tearing and creasing in the area where the rivet was originally attached.  I'm not sure if anyone more inclined to album restoration than myself could attempt to repair this, but that is up to you.

  This album is still extremely rare in almost any condition, and it is getting harder and harder to come by a fully functioning copy these days.  Most collectors would be happy to own this rare album in nearly any condition, as it is 1 out of only 20,000.  If you can make do with the non-functioning hinge, then keep reading because there is some good news in store!
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The Vinyl:

If the hinge wasn't a deal breaker for you and you've decided to read on, then you will be happy to know that the actual vinyl included with this release is simply magnificent!  Housed in an oddly shaped sleeve (to accomodate the way the album has to flip open), the vinyl has remained in excellent condition.  There are a few minor hairlines and light sleeve scuffs here and there, but nothing that will affect playback.  This record has rarely been played since it was purchased 35 years ago.  The hairlines and sleeve markings are only due to the record shuffling around in its paper sleeve, and are strictly cosmetic flaws that you would find with any LP (hairlines can even be found on many freshly opened sealed records).   The labels are shiny and new looking with no wear whatsoever.  There is no spindle wear so the record will fit snugly on your turntable.  The album hasn't been played enough to have any sort of groove wear or needle scratches or anything of the sort.  This is an excellent piece of vinyl! 
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In my opinion the condition of the vinyl makes up for that pesky broken hinge on the cover, and when taken together this is an all around nice package to own.  The top half still slides neatly on to the bottom if you are careful, and it serves its purpose as an album cover just fine.  Once in place, the album still has the appearance of a working model, so until you can find one in NM condition (which is nearly impossible these days), this album completely serves its purpose.  Have fun bidding on this one, theres NO RESERVE on it!
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Paypal is my preferred payment method, but I also will accept money orders or cashier's checks.  Payment must be received within 7 days of auction's end to avoid re-listing.  I am only able to ship on Saturdays and Mondays, so your item will be shipped accordingly as to when payment is received.  Records will be carefully packed in a 12x12 mailer with record kept separate from sleeve to prevent any damage to either.  I offer insurance on U.S. orders for a cost of $3.00.  Delivery confirmation is available upon request.

International shipping will generally be $20 to most areas via First Class International ($10 for Canada).

Full refunds are accepted, and buyer pays for return shipping cost.  Leaving negative feedback will void any returns. While I carefully package every item in a sturdy mailer to prevent any damage, I can not be responsible for any uninsured items.  Contact me for any additional information.  I will try to answer any questions within 24 hours or less.