Description Unique Joy Division Factory Sample Test Pressing I believe this is possibly the only Factory Sample Test Pressing in existence - on sale for the first time ever! I am a serious collector of Joy Division items and, to my knowledge, this is unique, the only copy of the first ever Joy Division release on Factory records (FAC2). Originally, I was led to believe that this record was an acetate, but upon further research (by 2 people, 1 at Cargo Studios and 1 at Strawberry Studios), I have since found out that this is in fact a test pressing.... albeit, as far as I know, the only one of its kind. ​T​here are two things that make this record incredibly unique and almost certainly the only one of its kind in existence. Firstly, this is probably the only copy of this record, the very first pressing as Joy Division at Factory Records, that was pressed at Cargo Studios. The final Factory Sample for those of you that don't know was pressed at Strawberry Studios. Test pressings that were made at Strawberry Studios had the strawberry logo on them. Secondly, and just as significant but even more unusual, is that there is NO index number on the record groove on either side. This is the only record that I have ever come across that has no index number markings in its groove. Why this is I have no idea, but whatever the reason it only adds to the value and uniqueness of this record. The test pressing in its original sleeve was acquired by me whilst I was visiting Factory Records during its final demise, sometime in the early 1990s.Later on, in Feb 1997, it was signed for me by Peter Hook. It is in very good condition and has only been played 3 times by me since the early 1990s, and once last year by another collector who was interested in it.The labels and the sleeve are also in good condition with minimal signs of ageing. On one side of this test pressing is the Factory Sample version of Digital, and on the other side is the Factory Sample version of Glass. The titles of the songs are hand written on the record labels and the words "Cargo" and "45rpm" written on the sleeve, clearly by the same hand using the same pen. The actual record was mixed and recorded at Cargo Studios in Rochdale in late 1978, and the record was pressed at Strawberry Studios in Stockport in December 1978. Both the record and sleeve are from late 1978. What makes this test pressing truly unique is the fact that it has the "use hearing protection" image label on both sides of the record... the same image that appears on the FAC2 posters. Due to the extreme value of this record I would prefer that it be collected in person as I want the buyer to be completely happy that it is as described. This is a reluctant sale, and, as it it so rare, it is hard to ascertain the true value, so I've decided if it doesn't sell for at least the starting price of the auction, I will keep it for some time yet as this is one of the most precious and collectable Joy Division items, both in my collection and well, anywhere. You may never get another opportunity to own this unique item! Any questions, please send me a message via eBay.Please note, I don't want to consider a 'buy it now' price - but would like the auction to run its course in order to give as many serious collectors as possible an opportunity to bid for it. Many thanks for looking. Paying and postage details... Sorry long winded, but I need to be clear.UK Buyers I would prefer to meet the buyer in person and then be paid either by on-line bank transfer or cash on collection after they have inspected and are happy to proceed. I'm based in Derbyshire but travel widely and am travelling to Birmingham, London, Wales the South West, Bristol and Exeter at the end of October. I'm also planning a trip to Manchester, Yorkshire, Durham and Newcastle soon. I am happy to meet a buyer anywhere in those places or close to one of the routes between! If we can't meet in person, I will post Royal Mail Next Day Special Delivery on the day payment is made. These are the costs of Royal Mail Special Delivery Next Day with £2.5k insurance: · Guaranteed by 1 pm, £10.25 · Guaranteed by 9 am, £26.46 Paypal fees - if you want to pay by PayPal that is fine and I am willing to accept the standard PayPal fees of 3.4% of the selling price + 20p. However, as this is such a high value item, any additional fees charged to me by PayPal over and above the standard fees (for example for currency conversion or if the buyer uses a credit card to pay into their PayPal account) must be paid in addition to me by the buyer. I have only just discovered PayPal levy a higher rate for money added via a credit card or different currency - for low cost things it's not really noticeable, but for this item depending on the sale price that could be an extra £40-50! Therefore, it is much better for both if the buyer doesn't use a credit card to add funds to their PayPal account. Buyers Outside UK Having just faced a series of issues when trying to send an expensive item to someone living outside the UK, I have decided I can only do so if I'm financially no worse off than selling to a UK buyer, therefore will only sell to a non-UK buyer if they agree to:ignore the quoted international postage costs and organise and pay for their own reputable courier service (such as FedEX, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce Worldwide etc) to collect the record from me. I will ensure it is as thoroughly packaged as possible and will provide the buyer with full details of the package size and weight to enable them to book a courier.The buyer must take full responsibility for the record from the moment it is collected from me, so should buy whatever type of delivery and tracking service and level of insurance they feel is appropriate as the level of insurance really affects the cost of posting. Please note I won't send it for the international price as quoted above, but I was unable to make it a worldwide listing without putting in something for postage and eBay only have an option for 'flat fee' for the whole world! As my condition of sale is for the buyer to organise postage themselves, that was the only way I could do it! Hope that makes sense.The buyer pays any customs due in their country.Paypal fees - I will pay the standard PayPal fees of 3.4% of the selling price + 20p. Any additional fees charged to me by PayPal above the standard fees (for currency conversion or if the buyer uses a credit card to pay into their PayPal account) must be paid to me by the buyer. If you aren't happy with my conditions, please don't bid!