Rolling Stones, Sticky Fingers: VERY RARE UK 1st Press A3/B3 Matrix + Insert

	£		185
	$		245

The Rolling Stones, Sticky Fingers. COC 59100 Stereo UK 1st Pressing.
Sticky Fingers was the first Rolling Stones album to reach number 1 in both the UK and US charts and reached triple platinum status (over 3 million copies).
As a consequence there are a variety of different editions and pressings that can be difficult to understand.
To complicate things, there are many similar variants of the record which are claimed to be the first pressing but are in fact not. 
This is the true first pressing with the earliest matrix numbers and original working zipper that was only available for several weeks in 1971 after a very limited run. 

There are several features which are unique to this pressing which identify it as a true first pressing, they are:

• Small square-hole working zipper with no text or logo just two indented parallel lines.
• A3/B3 matrix numbers.
• 'T.M.L Rolling Stones Records' etched into the runout groove. 
• Front cover with the band and song title stamped in red ink.
• Front cover open at both the top and bottom edge.
• 'Andy Warhol' credit visible behind the zipper.
• No 'A Promotone N.V. record' inscription on the labels.

Due to expense of producing the sleeve it was very quickly replaced by lower quality versions; first with a different zipper, then with a copy which only opened at the top, then a gatefold version without a working zipper etc etc.
As such this edition is remarkably rare and a fantastic collectors item! 

I give an honest description of records so buyers have no surprises.

The condition of the record is as follows: 

Sleeve: Excellent

This iconic sleeve, designed and conceived by Andy Warhol and his art collective, 'The Factory', is in great condition. 
The small square zipper is of a high quality and therefore expensive. As a consequence it was replaced by inferior quality zippers on later pressings.
As the zipper is such high quality it is still in fantastic working condition. If you so wish you can take a look inside to reveal the 'Andy Warhol' signature. 
The sleeve is liable to becoming ripped at the top and bottom openings and around the buckle as they are not glued to anything and got moved around.
 Both are in fantastic condition on this copy with only a very slight crease to the buckle.
Otherwise nothing to note. No writing, no rips or tears and no discolouration.


Inner: Very Good +


The white die cut inner is in perfect working order.
It is has a couple of small stains but otherwise nothing to note.
The record is complete with the very rare picture insert.
Also included is an audiophile quality, anti-static inner which the record is stored within.


Disc: Excellent


Original first pressing copies were pressed by 'The Music Lab' (TML) and are widely recognised as providing superior sound quality to later pressings.
This copy doesn't disappoint - playback sounds great! 
The record plays with great clarity with fantastic channel separation. 
Visually the record retains the original mirror-like finish that it came out of the pressing plant with.
Both sides have a couple of paper scuffs from the original sleeve but nothing which can be heard or felt.

The labels are clean with bright colours, without any writing and with minimal spindle wear. 


Overall a fantastic copy of an extremely rare record - a great collectors item. 

Please feel free to ask any questions.
The album in kept within a polythene outer sleeve and will be packaged in a padded vinyl mailer.
The international postage quoted is an estimate - please contact me for an accurate postage cost.
Bidders with less than 10 feedback please contact me before bidding otherwise your bid will be removed.
Check out my other items, slowly downsizing my collection.
Happy bidding, good luck!

On 31-Aug-21 at 15:20:47 BST, seller added the following information:

** PLEASE NOTE ** 
It has been pointed out to that there is an inaccuracy in the description. 
I state that there is "No 'A Promotone N.V. record'" written on the labels and there is (pictures 4 & 6). 
To clear this up I did some further research. 
Sticky Fingers was released in April '71. The Promotone company was set-up in September of the same year. As such, the first labels to be used on the first pressing of this record (with matrix numbers A3/B3) did not have a reference to the Promotone company as it did not yet exist. Later pressings (with matrix numbers A4/B4 & A3/B5) did, however. Please check Discogs release 11272687 for this information.
As this record was pressed during the first pressing run, shown by the A3/B3 matrix numbers, but has reference to the Promotone company on the labels, I instead suggest that this is an extremely rare 1st Press crossover. I have not seen another copy like it, nor can I find any information on records such as this (hence my initial mistake!). It is likely that it was produced in anticipation of the start of the Promotone company or in the first few days that it existed.