The Free Story Free 1974 Numbered Limited Edition Double ISL D3 Island Records
Sold Date:
February 4, 2023
Start Date:
January 28, 2023
Final Price:
£12.00
(GBP)
Bid Count:
3
Seller Feedback:
2745
Buyer Feedback:
0
I have decided my record collection needs a radical weed as it is taking over the room!
This LP (unless basically new - which will be specified) has been cleaned properly with a microfibre cloth and record cleaning fluid and played in full on decent equipment to assess condition. None of the LPs I will sell on Ebay skip or stick - not worth the hassle. They all play completely as they should. I have used a recognised grading system (see below), and I try to be accurate and slightly pessimistic so that buyers are not disappointed. I am not a record dealer, just trying to recoup some of my outlay over the years, so this is my best and honest assessment.
I have also done my best to research the pressing using Discogs but if you are collector you can do your own research using the details below. If I have something wrong I would appreciate knowing so I can put the listing right. I've listed runout matrix numbers to the best of my ability but they are not always easy to read.
Will be posted in a proper LP card envelope which I have bought for the purpose. I will also throw in a (used) plastic sleeve.
I will always combine postage if you buy more than one item - no need to ask. Two LPs will cost the same as one, multiple buys I will assess and give the best savings possible.
Record condition and details:
Originally scheduled for release October 12th 1973 but delayed until January 1974 due to vinyl shortages.
Limited to a numbered edition of 50,000 copies. Promotional and advertising material indicated that plates/film used to make the sleeves would be destroyed following completion of the limited run. Nevertheless unnumbered copies continued to be available after the 50,000 run.
The gatefold sleeve was printed with incorrect catalogue number: ISL D3 on the back cover and the spine. Later copies include a small sticker on the back of the gatefold covering the incorrect catalogue number with the correct number: ISLD 4. The incorrect catalogue number on the spine remained unaltered. Inner sleeves however, were printed with the correct catalogue number from release.
This one is number 013330
Both inner sleeves are the same providing the album's track listing and a Free discography. They indicate that:
Side 3 track 4 (C4) is performed by Kossoff, Kirke, Tetsu and Rabbit
Side 3 track 5 (C5) is performed by Peace (previously unreleased)
Side 4 track 4 (D4) Heartbreaker is recorded live at Portsmouth Guildhall, October 7th,1972 (this is also previously unreleased although not stated on the inner sleeve)
Initially the inner sleeves were square cut across the top. Later copies have a 20cm thumb notch.
Labels are usually smooth and flat, however ridged labels exist which can be randomly used on any side of disc 1 & 2 and not consistently matched with flat/ridged labels on the other side of the disc.
.
Stapled inside the gatefold is a 4 page insert that provides a history of Free. It commences on the left-hand inside gatefold, continues across the insert, and concludes on the right-hand inside gatefold.
Bottom centre of back cover states, "THE FREE STORY" IS A LIMITED EDITION. THIS ALBUM IS NUMBER ******
℗ 1973 Island Records Ltd.
Sleeve & Inner VG+
Records
1) Some crackle on quiet passages. More on Side 1 than 2. Plays very well and sound is good. VG+
2) Again some slight crackle but plays very well with good sound VG+
I have used the Discogs / Goldmine grading system
Mint (M) Absolutely perfect in every way. Certainly never been played, possibly even still sealed. Should be used sparingly as a grade, if at all. Near Mint (NM or M- A nearly perfect record. A NM or M- record has more than likely never been played, and the vinyl will play perfectly, with no imperfections during playback. Many dealers won't give a grade higher than this implying (perhaps correctly) that no record is ever truly perfect. The record should show no obvious signs of wear. A 45 RPM or EP sleeve should have no more than the most minor defects, such as any sign of slight handling. An LP cover should have no creases, folds, seam splits, cut-out holes, or other noticeable similar defects. The same should be true of any other inserts, such as posters, lyric sleeves, etc. Very Good Plus (VG+) Generally worth 50% of the Near Mint value. A Very Good Plus record will show some signs that it was played and otherwise handled by a previous owner who took good care of it. Defects should be more of a cosmetic nature, not affecting the actual playback as a whole. Record surfaces may show some signs of wear and may have slight scuffs or very light scratches that don't affect one's listening experiences. Slight warps that do not affect the sound are "OK". The label may have some ring wear or discoloration, but it should be barely noticeable. Spindle marks may be present. Picture sleeves and inner sleeves will have some slight wear, slightly turned-up corners, or a slight seam split. An LP cover may have slight signs of wear, and may be marred by a cut-out hole, indentation, or cut corner. In general, if not for a couple of minor things wrong with it, this would be Near Mint. Very Good (VG) Generally worth 25% of Near Mint value. Many of the defects found in a VG+ record will be more pronounced in a VG disc. Surface noise will be evident upon playing, especially in soft passages and during a song's intro and fade, but will not overpower the music otherwise. Groove wear will start to be noticeable, as with light scratches (deep enough to feel with a fingernail) that will affect the sound. Labels may be marred by writing, or have tape or stickers (or their residue) attached. The same will be true of picture sleeves or LP covers. However, it will not have all of these problems at the same time. Goldmine price guides with more than one price will list Very Good as the lowest price. Good (G), Good Plus (G+) Generally worth 10-15% of the Near Mint value. A record in Good or Good Plus condition can be played through without skipping. But it will have significant surface noise, scratches, and visible groove wear. A cover or sleeve will have seam splits, especially at the bottom or on the spine. Tape, writing, ring wear, or other defects will be present. While the record will be playable without skipping, noticeable surface noise and "ticks" will almost certainly accompany the playback. Poor (P), Fair (F) Generally worth 0-5% of the Near Mint price. The record is cracked, badly warped, and won't play through without skipping or repeating. The picture sleeve is water damaged, split on all three seams and heavily marred by wear and writing. The LP cover barely keeps the LP inside it. Inner sleeves are fully split, crinkled, and written upon.
