Paul Robeson Freedom Songs ORIG UK Black / White Label TOPIC E.P. EX/EX+ Cond.

	£		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. 1961 Cream/White Label TOPIC pressing of Paul Robeson’s ‘Paul Robeson Sings Freedom Songs’ E.P. (Catalogue Reference: Topic Records Ltd TOP62).  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).  This has been played but it is obvious that it has never seen heavy play.  Again I note that like the other TOPIC EPs that there is the presence of light, ‘wispy’ hairline scratches around the very rim which I believe largely result from the light brush they tended to perform to remove debris from the vinyl surface post-production.  Under an intense light I note very limited hairline scratches on the playing surfaces themselves.  I think I’m still comfortable with an EXCELLENT+ grading here because although you can tell it has seen limited play it is also very clear that this has been looked after.  There is a ‘Mecolico’ stamp on the label which is inevitable on a small run item and I note what appears to be a spindle ‘drag’ but otherwise the labels are pretty immaculate.  I’ve noted with the other Robeson TOPIC EPs how hard it is to identify the colour they are meant to be?  I think this is partially a product of the type of card which was being used and the curiously rustic, home-spun design.  I believe this was always a yellowy-brown colour however, it is clear that it has ‘browned’ around the exposed edges (most likely as a result of smoking).  It should be noted that there is an image of Robeson speaking in Trafalgar Square on the rear and this is a deep blue colour.  I note a couple of grubby fingerprints on the sleeve (the most prominent being visible in the attached image on the front just beneath his autograph).  Again, there is creasing to the top and bottom left-hand corners and I have little doubt that this largely results from the spine having been ‘snipped’ (i.e. they are a by-product of the production process).  I also note a much lighter crease to the bottom right-hand corner.  Each of the corners displays the lightest of wear.  I’m happy with an EXCELLENT grade on the sleeve.  I’m very comprehensive with my descriptions and accordingly things end-up sounding worse than they actually are.  This really is a superior example and it is surprising that it has survived the past 50 years+ in this condition (for such a flimsy design).

Condition

VINYL – EXCELLENT+

SLEEVE – EXCELLENT

Final Remarks

This is a really solid example which will take some beating!  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.