SMALL FACES, SELF-TITLED 1966 UK DECCA MONO *1st PRESS*

	£		62
	$		82

Here for auction is an exceptional example of the self-titled first album by SMALL FACES, Catalogue Number LK 4790. This is an ORIGINAL 1966 * UK MONO 1st PRESSING* on the UNBOXED DECCA RECORD LABEL, with a lovely 1st issue UK-made James Upton sleeve. Incredibly hard to find in the beautiful condition offered here!  

The front-laminated single sleeve, printed in England by James Upton Ltd., is in close to EX condition (strictly graded) with only the lightest of wear and a few minor creases. The whole sleeve is still very fresh looking and the back cover is still nice and bright. The date and place of purchase has been written neatly on the back top right corner, and there is a ‘SELFRIDGES’ retail stamp on the bottom. The spine is near perfect with all text clearly legible. You can see from the photos that this is a very well preserved sleeve which should please most collectors.

The top quality Decca record retains a deep mirror-like shine and sits flat and true on the turntable. It is a nice solid pressing which has a lovely smooth finish to the rim edge.

The Matrix Numbers are:

Side 1 – XARL-7217-5A

Side 2 – XARL-7218-4A

Both sides are visually in EX(+) condition with just a few very light surface marks evident under bright light. These are purely superficial and do not cause any audio problems. The ridged red Decca labels are unmarked with only a few light spindle traces near the centres. There is virtually no wear around the spindle hole. I am confident that the record has not been played many times. 

PLAYGRADE ASSESSMENT:

This is a particularly vibrant and loud-cut mono pressing which sounds truly sensational played at loud volume. The record plays perfectly. All frequencies are crystal clear and there is no discernable deterioration in sound quality. There are no pops or loud clicks and barely any unwanted noise at all (just occasional very light surface sound which is never intrusive). This is indeed a top playing copy in every respect. Almost impossible to find like this!

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 & POSTAGE

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   

Europe up to £36 value - £8.95

Europe over £36 value - £11.15

Worldwide up to £36 value - £11.45

Worldwide over £36 value - £13.65

Multiple LPs will be charged at an extra £1.50 per LP (up to 4 in total)

The UK postage cost includes insurance up to a value of £36. If the final sale price is more than this, your invoice will include a Special Delivery Next Day insurance option.