****************************************************************
This is an early UK pressing (but not a 1st pressing) with a rigid card (not paper) lyric insert, original E.J. Day cover, B&C credits on the labels and cover, and large Mad Hatter labels. Charisma changed to the small Mad Hatter labels in the Autumn of 1974, so this pre-dates that. Everything looks great and, judging by the spindle marks on the labels, I would say that this record hasn't been played very much, and the audio is possibly the best I've heard on early copy of this album, which is notoriously difficult to find with perfect audio.
The vinyl has retained its original sheen with very little to see: just some very light hairlines and sleeve removal marks when viewed under bright, direct light, but nothing significant anywhere. I would visually grade it as a SAFE Excellent (Ex), probably better. I've listened to extracts of both sides (including the 'difficult' parts such as 'More Fool Me', 'The Cinema Show', the intros to 'Dancing with the Moonlit Knight; and 'The Battle for Epping Forest' etc), and it plays superbly with no issues at all. Based on the parts I listened to I would have no hesitation to play-grade it as a VERY SAFE Excellent (Ex), maybe Near Mint (NM). The cover and card lyric insert are in Excellent condition, with just some minor signs of age or wear, but nothing significant to mention. Please look at the photos.
Finding an early pressing of 'Selling England . . .' that plays perfectly throughout is almost impossible. The album is nearly an hour long, which is well beyond the ideal length for perfect fidelity on an LP. The optimum length from a mastering point of view is usually given as 17 to 18 minutes per side, whereas this LP is around 26 and 29 minutes which inevitably compromises the quality of playback you can expect from this medium, although this copy is probably the best I've ever heard.
Detracting features not covered above: None.
All photographs are of the actual item for sale. Please ask any questions before you bid or buy.
Where gradings are given these are based on the UK Record Collector grading system (see below) and are visual gradings only, unless the listing specifically states that it is a play-grading.
I use the UK RECORD COLLECTOR GRADING SYSTEM. This grading system differs from some other grading systems, in particular the Goldmine grading system. Please make sure that you are familiar with the UK record collector grading system before you bid.
Mint: The record itself is in brand new condition with no surface marks or deterioration in sound quality. The cover and any extra items such as the lyric sheet, booklet or poster are in perfect condition. Records advertised as Sealed or Unplayed should be Mint.
Excellent: The record shows some signs of having been played, but there is very little lessening in sound quality. The cover and packaging might have slight wear and/or creasing.
Very Good: The record has obviously been played many times, but displays no major deterioration in sound quality, despite noticeable surface marks and the occasional light scratch. Normal wear and tear on the cover or extra items, without any major defects, is acceptable.
Good: The record has been played so much that the sound quality has noticeably deteriorated, perhaps with some distortion and mild scratches. The cover and contents suffer from folding, scuffing of edges, spine splits, discoloration, etc.
Fair: The record is still just playable but has not been cared for properly and displays considerable surface noise; it may even jump. The cover and contents will be torn, stained and/or defaced.
Poor: The record will not play properly due to scratches, bad surface noise, etc. The cover and contents will be badly damaged or partly missing.
Bad: The record is unplayable or might even be broken, and is only of use as a collection-filler.
Plus (+) or Minus (-) are added where items fall between gradings. I only ever use one plus or minus.
P&P costs as follows:
UK:
First LP or 12" record = £5.50, each additional item no extra P&P charge.
First 7" record = £3.95, each additional item no extra P&P charge.
Europe:
First LP or 12" record = £18.95, each additional item = an extra £2.20 P&P charge.
First 7" record = £13.95, each additional item = an extra £1.00 P&P charge.
Rest of the world:
First LP or 12" record = £29.50, each additional item = an extra £2.20 P&P charge.
First 7" record = £18.95, each additional item = an extra £1.00 P&P charge.