BLACK SABBATH same UK swirl

$

103

Welcome! Here is an early UK press of the first Black Sabbath album (Vertigo VO 6). Many people would call this a first press, but technically that is not correct. Black Sabbath was released in early 1970; a true first press would have the “large” swirl logo on the Side B label. This album has the “small” swirl logo, dating it to between summer 1971 and autumn 1972, at which time Vertigo switched to the “spaceship” label.

But! This is THE finest example of a small swirl Black Sabbath that you will ever see. This album has a beautiful gatefold sleeve, nearly pristine labels, the original inner sleeve, and terrific sound quality!

Matrix numbers and mother/stamper codes are:

Side 1: V06 1Y * 1 420 13.

Side 2: V06 2Y * 1 420 12 34.

Using the Record Collector grading system, what do we have here?

Sleeve: The unlaminated gatefold sleeve grades EX. On the front of the sleeve, about halfway down in the center of the tree trunk is a small, thumb-sized crescent where the surface finish shows VERY slight wear. This is due to a corresponding minor crease on the inside of the gatefold. Also on the front, about one inch up from the bottom edge in the center is a half-inch surface impression, not even the width of a ballpoint pen tip.

On the back of the gatefold are two minor interior creases. There is VERY minor surface wear to the black finish along the top and bottom on the inside of the gatefold.

Now! With those picky flaws identified – I really do try to be honest and conservative in my descriptions – all else is lovely! The surface finish and coloring are really terrific. All edges and corners are very sharp; the spine is pristine. Overall, it is really a beauty – and one of the best Vertigo sleeve designs ever, IMO. (As was often the case due to American corporate penny-pinching, we in the USA got cheated by Warner Brothers, who gave us only a single sleeve. Grrrr!!!)

Vinyl: The vinyl is M-! There are NO unwanted pops, crackles, or anything else. The vinyl is visually pristine as well. Truly, you could NOT update this pressing.

Labels: Both Vertigo labels are lovely, with only the most minor traces of spindle tracking. Clearly, this album has been played no more than a few times, and handled carefully.

Inner Sleeve: This album has its original plastic-lined Vertigo inner sleeve, which is in top condition. This inner sleeve has far less age toning usually seen, and has no splits or other detriments. The plastic lining remains firmly attached to the paper.

And, in the end: I really do not believe that you will find a better example of Black Sabbath anywhere! Get ready for Ozzie (spelled Ossie on the inside gatefold)! Please email me with any questions.

Returns: Full return privileges (less shipping and listing fee) if dissatisfied, but I bet you won’t be! Please pay by PayPal. Thanks and good luck!

Shipping: I will ship to ANY country on Earth! Pursuant to my statement above that I am not a dealer, I do NOT gouge anyone on shipping costs. If you are in the USA, figure on $4.00 for good ‘ol Media Mail; of course, you can do Priority, Overnight, you name it.

For shipments outside the USA, I use the value that eBay shows for First Class Mail International; if the actual price turns out to be less, I will post an immediate refund for the difference.

Insurance: If you would like, I will get an insurance quote for you. I pack things very well, but if you choose to not buy insurance, I will not be responsible if something nasty happens.

Namaste, everyone!