Nelson Riddle 1966 Batman TV Show Theme Pic Sleeve PS

$

555

In 1966 there were a multitude of tie-in items issued to capitalize on the wildly popular ABC TV show "Batman" which starred Adam West, Burt Ward, that fabulous George Barris Batmobile and a host of renowned actors as the villain of the week. Only a scant few pieces of memorabilia featured actual images of the actors from the show, probably due to licensing and royalty issues. Arguably one of the best of these items that DID utilize a photo image (along with the very rare Burgess Meredith 45 as the Penguin), is this equally rare, vintage 1966 Nelson Riddle "Batman Theme" 45 RPM record, 20th Century Fox #626. What really sets this 45 release apart is the sensational picture sleeve of Adam West and Burt Ward in full costume, astride the Barris built Batmobile. Note that this is a very early photo taken during a pre-production on-set prop and costume approval session. Here, the Batmobile is still in its prototype flat black paint with crudely spray painted WHITE highlights on the creases!

Many collectors are not even aware that this picture sleeve exists. Everyone knows that Neil Hefti wrote that famous, staccato theme song for the show. Few realize, however, that it was the Nelson Riddle orchestra who actually performed the recorded version played during the show. Hefti's 45 record of his song with its Bat-logo illustrated sleeve is relatively common, but this Nelson Riddle picture sleeve is so rare that many theorize it possibly was issued as a Promotional Only item to draw attention to the record. Unfortunately, the truth has been lost to time.

Clearly an original 1966 release and not a scan, reprint or recreation of any kind, the printed sleeve shows a minimum of obtrusive wear and is lightly aged. Even the inside, where ageing doesn't normally present itself, the paper is the same hue as the outside. Plus, we have never seen a pure snow-white copy of this sleeve. Thus, it was likely printed on an off-white or eggshell colored paper stock. The worst flaw on this example is a lightly written name on both sides, right above the horizontal stripe. There is noticeable wear to the side and bottom seams, but none have split. Several creases are scattered over the sleeve, especially toward the top. Overall, we grade the sleeve a VG or C7-, but finding one in better condition is extraordinarily difficult. In more than 20 years of collecting, we have only had six copies of this rarity and this one displays excellently, with great contrast and no tears or staining at all. Included with the sleeve is a standard, stock copy of the record on the black and gold label. Although the A-side label has a bit of bleed on the outer ring (a factory flaw), the stock copy record appears all but unplayed, but there is a difficult to see number written on the label. With not even a fingerprint on the vinyl, we grade the disc VG++ or C8+, because of the label marking.

An absolute treat to see, this difficult to find record is a must-have for Batman, Batmobile, character or TV collectors alike. Be forewarned that the last time we offered one of these for auction, it brought several hundred dollars. Fear not, Citizen for this one has a Reserve that is well below that amount! Please do not ask us to close the auction early, sell the item outright or reveal our Reserve, as these are requests we cannot accommodate.

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For estimation purposes only, when packaged this item will weigh approximately 2#, although actual shipping costs will be Invoiced upon the auction's close. But, to get a shipping cost estimate, even for a foreign destination, click here and enter the pertinent information. Shipping point is Zip 06460. Estimated weight is stated stated above. Preferred service class is Priority Mail, although the less expensive Media Mail is certainly an alternative within the US and usually Airmail Letter Post if abroad, for small parcels.

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