Box Tops Dimensions ORIG Bell LP RARE 1st U.K. MONO Pressing Alex Chilton VG+/EX

	£		20
	$		26

RARE Original U.K. 1969 (sleeve dated 09/69) 1st Press Bell MONO pressing of The Box Tops ‘Dimensions’ L.P. (Catalogue Reference: Bell Records MBLL 120).  I can only find one record of a U.K. Mono pressing of this coming up for sale before.  This will be far rarer on a MONO than a STEREO pressing.  This is also a 1st pressing with the matrixes reading ‘M BLL 120 A-1’ (Side One) and ‘M BLL 120 B-1’ (Side Two).  The sleeve still features flip-backs on the top, bottom and spine and the vinyl pressing is a decent quality EMI press.  This is a really solid example of this rare U.K. L.P.

CONDITION: EX (VINYL) / VG+ (SLEEVE): The vinyl is dusty and a little dirty but I think it is fairly obvious it has never seen heavy play.  I grade all my items under an intense light and here there are a relative volume of the finest, wispiest hairline markings but the surfaces retain a lovely sheen and the bulk of the playing surface is mark-free.  With regards to these hairline markings it should be noted that they are a by-product of someone having brushed across isolated sections of the playing surface at some time (this is not a copy where somewhere has aggressively cleaned the whole of the playing surface resulting in those characteristic swirling marks).  The vinyl is a really solid example.  I have considered my grading of the sleeve in some depth because I know how a VG+ grade will put some people off.  There are no substantial flaws with the sleeve only a number of minor flaws which when taken together have resulted in my grade.  There are creases, cracks along the spine where this has sat in a rack at some point minus the contents.  The opening edge on the front of the sleeve is a little frayed but I believe this is mainly because it extrudes over the rear and is therefore more exposed.  The vinyl has left an impression in the front of the sleeve which has resulted in a crease following the outline of the record at the top of the sleeve on the front.  Wear is evident on each corner with a small tear to the front of the sleeve (measuring approx. 5 millimetres) in the bottom right-hand corner.  The rear isn’t excessively marked although it has yellowed somewhat.  There is a blue stain on the bottom flip-back which is beneath the laminate and therefore you won’t be able to remove.  The sleeve is a long way from being knackered but does show it’s age.  I’m sure you can still see it is respectable in the attached images.

GRADINGS – How I Grade

My items are visually graded under an intense light using my nearly 20 years of experience buying and playing records.  I am a record collector first and foremost.  I would say my grading is on the conservative side however, it is also realistic.  Realistic in the sense that sometimes even brand new records are not immaculate.  Some items are play-graded and where this is the case it will be noted in the Item Description.  Please note that it is my assertion that 99.9% of issues which might be experienced upon playback of a record can be identified through visual grading.  I’m a longstanding Ebayer so please feel free to check my feedback if you have any concerns about the quality of the items I list.  As always please review my images if you have any concern about the condition of a sleeve!  A picture speaks a thousand words!  

GRADINGS - Description

MINT – If used to describe the condition of a record the item will be sealed.  Mint will rarely be used to describe the condition of a sleeve however, it will mean the item is sealed and no storage damage is evident.

NEAR MINT – When used to describe a record it will mean that it is hard to discern that the disc has been played.  When viewed under an intenselight there might be the odd hairline mark however, you would really have to look hard for it.  Ultimately, the vinyl will look like it has just been made.  When used to describe a sleeve it will mean that the sleeve has no shelf-wear or storage damage.  The sleeve will look like new.

EXCELLENT+ - There will be an indication that the record has seen some play but not heavy play.  When viewed under an intense light only the tiniest, wispiest hairline markings will be present and not excessively so.  The vinyl will retain a great sheen.  A sleeve described as EX+ will display minimal shelf or storage wear including an odd crease or the stubbing of corners, slight fraying to the opening edge.  Ultimately, the sleeve will still be a superior example.

EXCELLENT – There might be an indication that the record has seen a reasonable amount of play and handling however, it has been well looked after.  Superficial surfaces scuffs may be present but no marks of real substance (i.e. which will affect playback).  Under an intense light it is likely that a relative volume of hairline marks are present.  A sleeve described as EX will display shelf or storage wear including creasing, loss of print (due to rubbing), possible stubbing of corners etc.  The sleeve will not display any substantial flaws.  Ultimately, it will be a solid copy.

VERY GOOD+ - I will rarely list vinyl for sale described as VG+.  Any vinyl listed as VG+ will have a detailed condition description included in the listing.  The description VG+ is more often used to describe sleeves.  Often VG+ describes the condition of a sleeve which was of very cheap manufacture (think 1970s EMI sleeves or Polydor late 60s/early 70s) and therefore more prone to display the vagaries of time.  A sleeve described as VG+ will not be a basket case.  It will likely display a reasonable volume of creasing, a reasonable amount of rubbing/stubbing and possible the odd substantial flaw.

Payment is expected within 3 days of auction end.  I am relatively relaxed but if it is expected to take longer to make payment I expect the buyer to be proactive about maintaining a dialogue with me.  Payment is possible via PayPal and Personal Cheque.  Other forms of payment will be considered.

I have had to bring my postage charges in line with Royal Mail Terms & Conditions effective April 2013.  This means items with a start price <=£20.00 and which complete with a price< =£20.00 will be sent via standard post.  Items with a start price >£20.00 will be advertised with insured& tracked postage.  Items which have a start price <=£20.00 but whose final price is >£20.00 will be subject to extra insured postage costs.  Multiple purchases will be consolidated usually at a reduced price to the buyer.  Please don’t make payment until you receive an invoice from me.  If you have special shipping requirements please don’t contact me after you’ve made payment with an extensive (expensive) list.  I would expect such requests to be made prior to payment.  Overseas buyers welcome!  If either domestic or overseas buyers want me to confirm postage charges then please contact me before the auction’s end.  Proof of Postage is always obtained and retained.