BLACK SABBATH SELF TITLED 1st, 1970 UK VERTIGO SWIRL

	£		111
	$		147

betsy50 Store

From my own personal collection I am pleased to offer an ultra rare copy of the iconic self-titled first studio album by BLACK SABBATH, Catalogue Number VO 6. This is an ORIGINAL 1970 UK STEREO 1st PRESSING on the VERTIGO SWIRL RECORD LABEL, with a lovely 1st issue matt finish Keef designed gatefold sleeve. The package comes complete with the correct 1st issue Vertigo Swirl inner sleeve.

This is a true 1st pressing with “A PHILIPS RECORD PRODUCT” text and a large swirl on the Side B record label. The matrix numbers are the earliest 1Y*1/2Y*1. The 1st issue sleeve is made of stiffer card than later sleeves. The band credits inside the inverted cross are printed in capital letters, and it also has the text “Copyright subsists in all Stereo recordings” rather than “..in all Vertigo recordings” which only appeared on the very earliest sleeves. This is not a mix and match copy like so many others - all of the components are the earliest date of release 1st issues which have been together for 40 years. It is therefore an extremely rare and important album indeed!

The matt finish gatefold sleeve, photographed and designed by Keef, is in VG+ condition (strictly graded) with only light wear and minor creasing. The front and back covers and opening gatefold spread are unmarked. The spine is square and solid although the text has faded. You can see from the photos that this is a very presentable 1st issue sleeve indeed. 

The top quality Vertigo record retains a lovely deep shine and sits flat and true on the turntable. It is clear that the record has not been played very many times. Visually I would grade both sides as being in somewhere between VG and EX condition as there are a few light surface marks evident under bright light. These are mostly superficial and do not cause any significant audio problems. The Vertigo Swirl labels are unmarked with only a few spindle traces near the centres. There is minimal wear to the spindle hole.

PLAYGRADE ASSESSMENT:

This is a top quality Vertigo pressing which plays with outstanding sound quality. The bass in particular is very impressive. Both sides play to a very high standard. There is barely any discernable deterioration in sound quality and only very low levels of unwanted noise. With the exception of a few light background tics in a couple of places this is almost a perfect-playing copy. I think that it will be very difficult to find a significantly better-playing true 1st pressing of this seminal album!

Complete with the correct 1st issue poly-lined Vertigo Swirl inner sleeve which is in VG condition. This has no splits or tears – just a few creases and some age discoloration.

GRADINGS

The records that I offer for sale have been critically play-graded, at loud volume, on a Rega Planar 3 turntable fitted with an Elys 2 cartridge. I will only sell records that play to a high standard. My gradings are strict and in accordance with the following descriptions:

·         MINT- Record is superb, almost like new, with just a few sleeve removal type surface marks and no deterioration in sound quality. Sleeve is near perfect in all respects.

·         EX Record is a top quality example, with just a few very light surface marks which do not sound, and barely any discernable deterioration in sound quality. Sleeve has slight wear and/or creasing.

·         VG Record has some visual surface marks, but still plays to a high standard without any major deterioration in sound quality – just a few clicks or light surface sound in places. Sleeve has normal wear and tear without any major defects. Still a very presentable sleeve.

PACKAGING

Records are sent out in new “Wrapro” record mailers. These are rectangular and strong, providing excellent protection to the edges and corners. Records are removed from both inner and outer sleeves in order to prevent seam-splits in transit.

INTERNATIONAL POSTAGE

Due to PayPal’s Buyer Protection Policy, LPs posted outside of the UK (paid for by PayPal) will only be sent International Signed-For with insurance at the following cost:   

Europe up to £41 value - £9.95

Europe over £41 value - £12.45

Worldwide up to £41 value - £13.30

Worldwide over £41 value - £15.80

A postage discount will be given for multiple LPs

I do not make a profit on international postage – Royal Mail international postage charges went up significantly on 6th April 2010. If you are not happy with the International postage costs above – please do not bid.