Warning: DO NOT buy records from eBay seller "nc-huskerfan"

[FredSugarHall_fan]

Hello, all,

A few weeks ago, I purchased a copy of "I'm Wild About Horns On Automobiles" by Billy Hayes and his Orchestra, through eBay. It's a Victor territory band version of this song, which I believe is quite rare as far as Victor records go, and I really like the song "I'm Wild About Horns On Automobiles", so I bought it quickly because the price was reasonable.

Quickly following my purchase, I realized that this seller did not seem to have much experience selling 78s (he had this and a bunch of other records listed on his store because he said he found them in his parents' basement). I quickly messaged him, asking if he knew how to ship 78s, and offered to send instructions. He reassured me and wrote the following (I quote word for word here):

"I haven't had a complaint with singles in the past. It should be fine. Thanks for the offer."

I thanked him, and I told him that he had my trust. Earlier this evening, the record showed up, and I took it out of the package. The packaging was certainly LP-worthy, but I could never imagine shipping 78s in it. Basically, he took the record, put it in a plastic back, then slid that in a foil USPS envelope, and finally put it in a cardboard box that was less than an inch tall. The record was in 3 separate pieces (2 of which are still somewhat connected by the paper label), and certainly unplayable.

Given the rarity of this record, I will keep it for a super glue repair in the future. I haven't done this before but I am determined to save it. Nonetheless, I did write the seller in a respectful manner informing him of the bad news, as well as explaining why the packaging would not protect a 78. I sent him a link to claxtonola.com, which has 78 shipping instructions, and requested a refund. I told him I would not write any review at all (good, bad, or neutral) if he did this.

Granted, he will still get a "spot" here on this forum, but I figured at least give him the chance to spare the dignity of his eBay store. He has a few other 78s on his store right now (some in large lots -- can't imagine how shipping those would go!!), and from my personal experience, I caution fellow eBay record hunters to STAY AWAY from buying 78s from this guy's store for now. I am not saying don't buy anything else from his store (although I doubt y'all will find anything of interest from his other listings), but I am simply saying that he is not to be trusted for safety purchase of 78s.

I will update the Forum on the situation once (if) he responds. It is a shame that some sellers do not know how to ship these fragile vessels of musical history (as I like to call em), but I'm not entirely surprised as records have not been made this way for 60 years.

Thank you for looking.

[FredSugarHall_fan]

Aaah -- but I forgot pictures!! Solved. See below:

[gramophone-georg]

Hmmm. I have an extra one in V+, but mine is the more common one- piece version. Interested?

[FredSugarHall_fan]

Hmmm. I have an extra one in V+, but mine is the more common one- piece version. Interested?

Yes I am! Thank you so much for telling me!

[Inigo]

I have the Fred Hall Sugar Babies okeh version, on a Spanish Odeon pressing, matrix (w)401311A, as per DAHR It was recorded November 12th, 1928 in NY and published on okeh 41152. The vocalist is Arthur Fields...

[gramophone-georg]

Hmmm. I have an extra one in V+, but mine is the more common one- piece version. Interested?

Yes I am! Thank you so much for telling me!

PM sent

[FredSugarHall_fan]

An update: the seller has refunded my purchase, and additionally went as far as to have removed all of his 78s from his store. I hope he can sell them safely to some other happy collector.

[bart1927]

Hmmm. I have an extra one in V+, but mine is the more common one- piece version. Interested?

Yes I am! Thank you so much for telling me!

In the end you're perhaps better off with George's V+ version, because the one in the Ebay listing looks pretty worn.

[edisonplayer]

I'd have a screaming fit if I found a record I bought arrived broken in two! edisonplayer.

[JerryVan]

I'd have a screaming fit if I found a record I bought arrived broken in two! edisonplayer.

Yes, it's a real bummer and a disappointment, however, it's just a record after all.