Bessie Smith ** 78 rpm ** 10" (4 discs) with original album folder ** RARE BLUES **

• Empress of the Blues Vol. II -- Label: Columbia -- Record#: SET C-142 37574, 37573, 37576, 37577

Special note to foreign bidders: NO FOREIGN SHIP DUE TO WEIGHT! I declare foreign shipments as merchandise with the value you bid for them. Shipment to foreign buyers is via priority mail international with insurance for the value bid. Please e-mail for shipping costs before bidding as this method costs more, but is insurable and trackable. Example: United Kingdom 2-3 pounds $49.70 + $2.00 box/tape/pack = $51.70.

Alternatively, if the ending winning bid is less than $50 and if you have perfect feedback and want this shipped first class international, it could be shipped that method with the understanding there is NO REFUND FOR ANY REASON since the item cannot be tracked online or insured. Example: United Kingdom 2 pounds 5 oz. $27.85 + $2.00 = $29.85.

Import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding/buying.

Returns: If you feel the merchandise is not as described, e-mail me BEFORE leaving feedback and we will resolve it. Please note I do allow returns (see return policy below) if and only if the item is not as described.

Description:Up for your consideration is the next in a series of unique discs, this one a set of four discs by Bessie Smith.

Several unique things about this item: Firstly, the records retain lots of the original shine with some very light to light marks, grading by sight in normal room light. I'm sure if you took these and put them under a 1000 watt bulb, you'd probably find something that makes them less than mint. If you're that kind of collector, and after a recent unpleasant experience with a buyer from Malaysia, let me suggest this auction is not for you. I don't claim these records are mint.

If you'd like an audio grade before bidding, no problem, just drop me a note well in advance of the end of auction. You can then assign your own grade based on my comments and the grading scale shown below. Keep in mind how it sounds for me may be different than how it sounds for you, depending on the difference in audio equipment. I would expect them to play at least decently.

My main system for playing 78s is an old Zenith system that plays three speeds and allows me to turn a knob which flips a needle to allow for playing 78 RPMs. If you have a player specifically designed for playing 78 RPMs, or can clean them, it (they) may sound even better.

Secondly, at the time of this listing, no present offerings on e-bay. A few past sales for up to $40!

So this is your chance to own a unique item at a reasonable price. Bid early and often so you don't miss out on this item!

It is further described below, please take the time to read before bidding.

Please e-mail if questions.

Be sure to check my other listings to save postage on multiple winning bids. Please explore the "Me" link above(next to feedback rating) to check out my store and some of the 15,000+ records / books / CD's / cassettes I have for sale as well as the LP to CD transfer service I offer.

I am using the Goldmine scale of G=Good(1), VG = Very Good(2), VG+ = Very Good Plus(excellent)(3), NM = Near Mint(4) when grading the disc(s).

Here is a summary of the record(s):

Additional criteria I use when audibly grading records for people:

• NM(4) = absolutely nothing wrong at all (very rarely happens--I've even opened sealed records and they don't play Near Mint)
• 3.5-3.9 = very, very light surface noise
• 3.1-3.4 = very light surface noise, very light pops
• VG+(3) = up to light pops and light surface noise (below this, one's enjoyment is affected, very subjective)
• VG(2) = up to medium pops and moderate surface noise
• G(1) = up to heavy pops and heavy surface noise

I normally ship 78 RPM discs in 14"x14"x6" boxes padded in styrofoam and sandwiched between cardboard, centered within the box. Weight with box is about 5 pounds 8 ounces. I have had great success shipping in this manner, but we both know if a postal gorilla gets ahold of this, then no package is going to survive shipping. Thankfully, those incidents are few and far between.

Shipping is: $5.15 Media Rate (5-6 pounds) + $2.10 box/tape + $1.05 delivery confirmation + $.50 packing peanuts + $2.10 insurance = $10.90. I am shipping to you at cost. It actually costs me $$ because e-bay will charge me 10% of the shipping as well.

Buyer pays shipping/handling. Standard method within U.S. is Media Rate, $10.80. This includes online tracking which enables you to track shipping of your package online. Outside U.S., e-mail location to determine S/H costs prior to auction end. Insurance / other methods of shipping cost extra. Payment received within ten days of auction ending. Payment via Paypal preferred.

Thanks for stopping by and good luck with the bidding!

Return Policy: Bid with confidence! All my auctions are guaranteed to be as described. If you feel the item is not as described:

1. Let me know why it is not as described.
2. If approved, then return the item in the original box within 7 days of receipt by you.
3. Provided the item is returned in the same condition as when I mailed it, your bid amount will be refunded. You are responsible for return shipping. On sealed items, if you open it, you own it.

Handling policy: There is no handling charge. Items are shipped within 24 hours of receipt of payment, unless payment arrives on a Saturday/Sunday in which case the item will ship on the next postal day (normally Monday).

09:29:2014 12:55pm CST:
Since a bid came in on this item, I took the time to play all four records. I noted some scattered surface noise and very light to light pops such that might be found on any 78 rpm. I was able to get them to play thru without skips after some cleaning and playing on two different 78 rpm players, one that tracks heavier and apparently removed a piece of grit down in the grooves on record 1. It had skipped on my lighter-tracking player, but after playing it on the heavier tracking player without skipping, it then played okay on my lighter-tracking player.
I did note on side 8 that there is the beginning of a chip on the outer edge. I added another photo to try to highlight this. To help you find it, go straight to the edge from the word "your" on the track. I did play thru this with some light pops.
Some very nice music to be had on these four discs. Good luck!