Record received from Italy with a bunch of tiny holes punched into cover

Apologies in advance if this is a commonly know thing but I’ve never experienced it. I recently bought an album from a Discogs seller in Italy. It made it to Texas safely overall but when I opened the box, I found that there were a series of tiny holes punched in the upper right hand corner. The holes appear to make letters but I can’t make out what it says. I’ve never seen this on an album in my life and it wasn’t disclosed on the listing. Was curious if perhaps it was something that customs might do when inspecting a package or if it is a known thing, kind of like the drill hole for cutout albums here in the states. Sorry for the meandering post but I’m just perplexed. Any insight would be appreciated.
Trying to post pictures of the holes in response below.

 

Maybe it's braille and says : " We love you , Stevie "

 

Hahahaha. Wrong album for that. I'm having a difficult time attaching pictures. What happened to the paperclip option to share a picture? I feel like a big idiot right about now.

 

European sleeve fleas?..

 

Don't feel bad about feeling like an idiot. I am an idiot and it doesn't bother me.

 

Join a hosting site like Imgur, upload photos there, and then link to the uploaded photos here

 

I know that's an option, but it seems like there used to be a way to add pictures to a post without having to do that.

 

I use this site, it's easy. Postimages — free image hosting / image upload

 

What label is it on and do the holes appear to spell out something like “FREE”? Capitol (and maybe some other companies) used to punch FREE (in small holes) into the record jackets of promo copies that were distributed to reviewers and radio stations. I’ve got a couple of Peggy Lee records from the late ‘60’s like this.

 

Hi there, I think I can help: it would seem to be the equivalent of the US "cut-out", or promotional copy.
An example here (I hope the link will work):

https://i2.wp.com/www.saluzzishrc.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Copertina-Punzonata.jpg

 

That's it!!!!!!

 

The seller should have disclosed the promo punch out but what're you gonna do, send it back to Italy?

 

Agreed and agreed. I hate it when sellers do not advertise this kind of thing

 

Even though I am Italian, I can't make out what the "inscription" says, sorry

 

I would at least ask for a partial refund - you're well within your right to. That seems to have become a common way of resolving disputes on Discogs.

The seller absolutely should have disclosed that info in the description, and since they failed to, you didn't receive the item as described.

 

"Campione Gratuito," I think. "Free sample."

 

Yet another reason why I avoid overseas sellers on Discogs...

 

Omaggio, vendita vietata is Italian for Complimentary (promotional) copy, sale prohibied.

Sale prohibited in Italy of course.

 

Yes, that's it! Now that you say it, I can see it too

 

Which doesn't mean you won't find them being sold at open air markets, car boot sales etc, even in Italy.
I guess it all boils down to how much you want that particular record but yes, sellers have to make it clear exactly as if you were at a car boot sale, where the decision would be yours, whether to buy it or not.

 

So you judge all overseas sellers by the actions of one or two?

Not all US sellers are perfect by any means.