Columbia "6 eyes" from the 50's or 60's or later?

What does it mean when a record is discribed as having "6 eyes" and what does that mean to me?
In the 1950's and the 1960's (up until around 1962)most if not alllabels on Columbia LP's had six logos, aranged in sets of three opposite each other, along the outer edge of the label,at "3 o'clock" and "9 o'clock" as it were. The logos look like LP discs that have been squashed into ovals with two sick figure feet geing out of the bottom. These logos are referred to as "eyes" because they sort of resemble eyes. These were Columbia'slogo for their LP or "long playing" records.Classical LP labels were grey, white and black while their "pop" records were red white and black. When browsing LP's for sale, a record collector who sees an item listed as a "6-eye" naturally assumes that this record was madein the 1950'sor early 1960's. These records typically have a catalog number consisting of two letters followed by four numbers (eg: CL 1397)
Later, Columbia went to a "2-eye" style that lasted thru the 1960's. These were similar to the 6-eye style, except that there was only one large "eye" on each side. Typically the catalog numbering sysytem stayed the same as 6-eye records.
However,from thelate '60's or early 1970's on, Columbia returned to a form of 6-eye style. This time the logos or eyes were repeated in a circle around the outside of the label (sometimes known as "ringarounds"), and in between each eye the word "Columbia" appeared. For classical records the label background was grey andthe logos and writing were yellow (typically).For pop records the background was red and the writing was also yellow (typically, though sometimes it was white or black). Most of these records have catalog numbers that consisted of a letter code followed by five numbers (eg: JC 35709)
Over the years Columbia, like all of the record gepanies, continued to press or would reissue older titles. Each time they did this the current label style was used. For example, an LP could have beenissued as a 6-eye (50's), then a 2-eye (60's) and thenagain with the 70'sring-around style.Most often neither the catalog numbers nor the cover art would be changed.
Sellers who are aware of this and wish to serve their customers better will includethe label type within their item description. This information is crucial to record collectors who are looking specifically for early pressings and not for reissues. However, just describing an LP as being a 6-eye may not be enough. Sellers who are particularly sensitive to their customers needs will not only include a photo of the LP cover in their description but a photo of the label as well. Why? Because there are some sellers who are aware that some Columbia LP's are referred to as "6-eyes" but they don't know exactly what that means. They mistake a 70's ringaround reissue label for a 50's original 6-eye because their ringaround label technically has six eyes (logos) on it.I have even seen Columbia LP's that were first issued in the 1980's listed as being 6-eye because of this!! These sellersmay or may not realize that there is a big difference to a record collector.
So, my advice to anyone who is looking for 1950's - early '60's original issue Columbia LP's is this: even if the seller says it's a 6-eye, if they don't include a picture of the actual label with their description, email them to confirmwhether their record is a "three on a side" 6-eyeor not.If its not then it's a reissue and generally not worth as much as an original. Also, if a seller is willing to use terms they don't really know the meaning of then I would also be suspicious of their ability to grade the condition of their wares properly, so stick with record sellers who know their business and have lot's of positive feedback, they are more likely to make you a happy customer.
To sellersI would offerthis: A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. Don't use terms you don't absolutely know the meaning of.
For photos of the different kinds of Columbia labels, do a search for "Columbia 6 eye" and you're bound to gee up with several good examples.