OMMA Catalogue Number
OMMA-0004

Artist
The White Stripes

Title
“Let’s Shake Hands / Look Me Over Closely”

Release Details
Issued in 1998 by Italy Records as a 7-inch single (catalogue number 003), limited to 1,000 pressings only. Pressed in the United States and distributed as a commercial retail release.

Edition & Variant Identification
First Press commercial edition, corresponding to the initial variant of Italy Records 003.

Matrix & Pressing Data
Side A bears the inscription I 003-A.
Side B bears the inscription I 003-B.

Physical Description
A 7-inch vinyl single pressed on red translucent vinyl, housed in its original picture sleeve of thin paper construction. An additional hand-cut white paper insert accompanies the present copy, bearing a typewritten quotation attributed to George Washington: “We take the stars and blue union from heaven, the red from our mother country, separating it by white stripes, thus showing we have separated from her, and the white stripes shall go down to posterity representing liberty.”

Factory-Origin Characteristics
No factory-origin anomalies are observed on the present copy.

Condition Report
The picture sleeve remains in Near Mint condition, extremely clean, with no meaningful edge wear or creasing visible upon inspection. The vinyl surface is likewise Near Mint, showing minimal handling and no visible marks, retaining a strong gloss. The labels are in Mint condition, perfectly clean and unworn, with no spindle impressions, writing, stickers, or other markings. The original owner noted that this copy was played once to verify the absence of factory defects and is significantly cleaner than the majority of extant examples.

Provenance
Provenance: Anonymous original owner (known to Archive); acquired directly from the owner on 11 March 2025.

Photomatching & Verification
Verification is supported by image documentation provided via Google Drive, confirming the characteristics of the vinyl color, labels, sleeve, and inserted hand-cut sheet. These images correspond precisely to the physical attributes described in the archival record.

Market Context & Historical Notes
As the first commercial single issued by The White Stripes, “Let’s Shake Hands / Look Me Over Closely” occupies a foundational position in the duo’s discography, marking the earliest documented release under their band name. The Italy Records pressings are widely recognized for their limited distribution and distinctive production choices, and early copies—particularly those on red translucent vinyl with intact period inserts—are considered essential artifacts within the study of late-1990s garage rock and the Detroit independent label movement.

Canonical Status in OMMA
This release is recognized by the Origins of Modern Music Archive as the artist’s canonical debut.

References and Source Documentation
Direct seller documentation (Correspondence with original Anonymous Owner, 11 March 2025).