James F Dickie Scottish Fiddling of Scott Skinner ORIG U.K. TOPIC L.P. EX/EX+

	£		15
	$		20

UNSOLD SHOP STOCK – Much of the material I’m currently selling is unsold stock from a record shop which closed down in the early 1980’s.  Most of this stock has been played once (if at all).  This statement will begin any auction where the item has been sourced from this stock.

Hard-to-Find, Original U.K. 1976 Blue Label TOPIC Mono L.P. pressing of James F. Dickie ‘James F. Dickie Delights - Scottish Fiddling in the Style of Scott Skinner’ (Catalogue Reference: Topic Records 12T279).  James F. Dickie is accompanied here by Mrs Ivory Duncan (his daughter) on piano and the recordings apparently date from the early 1950s.  This appears to be a mid-70s DECCA pressing and I would guess this was a 1st pressing being that the label bag is dated ‘1/76’.  The matrixes read ‘479.A-1C’ (Side One) and ‘479.B-1C’ (Side Two).  The sleeve is a single affair and fairly typical of British mid-70s pressings (in terms of construction and thickness).  There are extensive notes on the rear of the sleeve but no additional inserts.  This is sourced from unsold shop stock and has literally sat in storage for decades (since at least 1981).  I would guess this copy might have been played a couple of times (more condition details below).

CONDITION: EX (VINYL) / EX+ (SLEEVE): Many of the items from this source were played when they arrived in the shop (this is clear to me).  A couple of light spindle ‘drags’ on the labels here attest to the fact that this has seen play.  I grade all my items under an intense light and here there are a relative volume of the finest, wispiest hairline markings on the A-Side (these are far less prevalent on the B-Side).  I believe this is a combination of fingers on the playing surface and also a relative amount of dust which is prevent on the surfaces.  My grading is still on the conservative side as the surfaces really shine and it is obvious that this copy has never seen heavy play.  There is a chance that someone has wiped-down an isolated section of the A-Side playing surface however, this just as likely occurred during the production process.  The sleeve is crisp in appearance and has been well protected by a polythene cover.  The flaws are quite minor and largely relate to the opening edge which displays a couple of creases and light ‘digs’ which are clearly a by-product of withdrawing the vinyl from the sleeve.  There is a very, very light crease just above visible which follows the outline of the vinyl in the top right-hand corner on the front (so light it isn’t visible in the corresponding position on the rear).  There is no rubbing or discolouration.  Ultimately, this is a fine example of a rare TOPIC LP.

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.

Payment is expected within 3 days of auction end.  I am relatively relaxed but if it is expected to take longer to make payment I expect the buyer to be proactive about maintaining a dialogue with me.  Payment is possible via PayPal and Personal Cheque.  Other forms of payment will be considered.

I have had to bring my postage charges in line with Royal Mail Terms & Conditions effective April 2013.  This means items with a start price <=£20.00 and which complete with a price< =£20.00 will be sent via standard post.  Items with a start price >£20.00 will be advertised with insured& tracked postage.  Items which have a start price <=£20.00 but whose final price is >£20.00 will be subject to extra insured postage costs.  Multiple purchases will be consolidated usually at a reduced price to the buyer.  Please don’t make payment until you receive an invoice from me.  If you have special shipping requirements please don’t contact me after you’ve made payment with an extensive (expensive) list.  I would expect such requests to be made prior to payment.  Overseas buyers welcome!  If either domestic or overseas buyers want me to confirm postage charges then please contact me before the auction’s end.  Proof of Postage is always obtained and retained.