I started collecting seriously in the late 60's but decided after the collection reached about 500 I started to put them all in cardboard sleeves, as I thought that this would help protect the records. Unfortunately I then threw away all the original sleeves (this was the 70's) and to me they looked better all numbered and cataloged and easier to find in the box. As I now realise some of them are now very collectable, so can somebody tell me how important is it to have the original paper sleeve?

I started collecting seriously in the late 60's but decided after the collection reached about 500 I started to put them all in cardboard sleeves, as I thought that this would help protect the records. Unfortunately I then threw away all the original sleeves (this was the 70's) and to me they looked better all numbered and cataloged and easier to find in the box. As I now realise some of them are now very collectable, so can somebody tell me how important is it to have the original paper sleeve?

It doesn't matter at all. I threw all mine away too. Anytime I need any, I just go to my 60's records and snatch some from there for the Northern 45's. Plus of course, they make repros of every sleeve now anyway. And...you can often find some of the harder to find sleeves at boot sales.

I started collecting seriously in the late 60's but decided after the collection reached about 500 I started to put them all in cardboard sleeves, as I thought that this would help protect the records. Unfortunately I then threw away all the original sleeves (this was the 70's) and to me they looked better all numbered and cataloged and easier to find in the box. As I now realise some of them are now very collectable, so can somebody tell me how important is it to have the original paper sleeve?

The main thing is the condition of the Vinyl & Label.

As Pete says you can replace the sleeves from other sources if felt necessary.

Exactly. Personally I try to keep all my UK 45s in original sleeves these days - most of them are dead easy to replace.

Some are a bugger to find clean though - Vocalion and early Tamla Motown for instance!

Des Parker was telling me he'd seen some-one selling empty sleeves at an event somewhere recently, sure he said they were between £1 - £5 a sleeve depending in rarity (ie Dearborn sleeves are tough to find)

Then I saw this on ebay tonight...

https://cgi.ebay.com/LOT-of-200-45-RPM-RECORD-COMPANY-SLEEVES-empty-sleeves_W0QQitemZ120545718658QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMusic_on_Vinyl?hash=item1c1115b182

I know there are lots of repro sleeves on the market, but it seems some collectors definately want the authentic sleeve to go with the original 45..................

Des Parker was telling me he'd seen some-one selling empty sleeves at an event somewhere recently, sure he said they were between £1 - £5 a sleeve depending in rarity (ie Dearborn sleeves are tough to find)

Then I saw this on ebay tonight...

https://cgi.ebay.com/...=item1c1115b182

I know there are lots of repro sleeves on the market, but it seems some collectors definately want the authentic sleeve to go with the original 45..................

Since I collect I keep sleeves in a box (mostly 50 and 60). I like the desing so much.

Ms Kavel Rafferty from Sweden is doing a great job with her RECORD ENVELOPE, THE LITTLE LIBRARY OF FACTORY SLEEVES.

I sent contributions a couple of years ago, it would be great if some of you send scans also, to make it a BIG library.

have a look, I love this blog!

https://crossedcombs.typepad.com/recordenvelope/

Repro sleeves available on COVERS33.co.uk

sorry don't know how to do a link thingy.

Edited March 27, 201015 yr by tonya

Took me a long time to pick up sleeve for END.... The label design that Lenny Curtis/ Harry Starr are on. Had to pay a fiver for it, which I thought was ok as it's hard to find.

That eBay link has some amazing stuff!

53 bucks for 200 isn't bad, too. Probably they're not collectable or expensive, but sure look amazing. I could even hang some of those on a wall.