HISTORICAL FOREWORD
This Vermont carry case was designed for 7" vinyl record transport/storage but I am offering it for historical reasons more than anything practical.
I was surprised to see a person online offering similar items for taking to gigs, giving around one hour of play time if the case was fully loaded! I couldn't imagine any self respecting DJ taking 7" vinyl to any gigs, 12" is the size of choice for these old skool house/techno/trance die-hards!
So, forget the practical use of this carry case .... but what this item represents is a bye-gone era in Australia.
Vermont was an Australian manufacturer, based in Summer Hill NSW. Back in the days when the years began with a 19, Summer Hill had quite a commercial hub mainly dominated by flour mills - all the big names were in Summer Hill and surrounding suburbs in those days. Just "next door" in Ashfield was the giant in Australian electronics, AWA.
Vermont wasn't the exception but the norm for manufacturing, products being designed and manufactured right here in Australia. You will never find a Vermont product with that little "Made In Japan" or "Made in China" sticker on them - this item is 100% Australian made.
The demise of Australian manufacturing began in the 1970's, first with the flood of "knockoffs" from Japan (often called Jap Crap) and then followed by China.
The grim reaper was knocking at the door of Australian manufacturing!
So, treasure this item (although the item itself may not be all that special) as it represents a period of Australian manufacturing that has perhaps been lost forever.
Vermont produced products from the 1950's through to the 1970's and included cases for First Aid Kits, Cassette Tape carry cases and of course these 7" Vinyl Record cases and being innovative, also supplied a range of vinyl colours! Gee, an avid collector could build up a collection of the full colour range!
Vermont 7" Vinyl Record Carry Case
1960's ~ 1970's
Sky Blue PVC
Brass zipper
Brass handle end caps
Internal cream coloured "felt like" material
I am not 100% but suspect the substrate used for the manufacture is a stiff cardboard over which the PVC has been laid.
ALL joins are STITCHED! No hot melt or plastic welding here.
Inside the case it has a card for the user to list the records (24 lines)
Internal clip lock strap is used to keep the records nice and steady when carrying them around.
COSMETIC CONDITION:
In a nutshell, very good.
All blue vinyl, including the spine hinge and internal straps, is undamaged/unmarked EXCEPT there is one line on the rear which I could not remove. It is actually pretty faint and my photograph of the rear doesn't even show it up.
Brass zipper is in excellent condition, smooth action with all teeth engaging properly without effort.
Brass handle end caps have light oxidisation but it isn't too bad
All stitching has been carefully examined and it doesn't even have signs of wear! I am truly amazed at all the stitchwork on this item. (See the photograph of the top carry handle, the stitching is all tight as shown in this photograph)
Gold leaf print on the front (Records) is in very good condition
The card for listing the records inside is unused - virginal
The inside "felt like" material IS showing some light signs of past mildew - this has not caused damage to the case but you can see a few brown spots here and there.
Structurally the case is very solid and sound, no parts are misshapen or have suffered damage of any kind.
FOOTNOTE:
I LOVE this carry case! I have had this for MANY years for storing my most valuable 7" vinyl records (NZ Dunedin Sound collection) but as those records have now all gone back to their country of "birth", a new owner is needed for this case!
After cleaning/sterilising, I have now sealed this case in plastic to maintain the condition as described above
