All
descriptions are guaranteed to be as understood by the purchaser.
Assume (my terminology of this word is "it is" and
"they are") that unless otherwise stated, the goods
listed are of original issue, and that any reissues or reprints are
stated as such! Re matrix numbers, label and sleeve
printings, etc: during the past few years, what is, and what is
not an original "Original", has become more defined,
as further in depth research has been employed by some specialist
dealers! To this end, where I think it is appropriate,
I have noted in more specific detail a characteristic/s
that I think should be annotated, as I think it is only
fair that if someone is paying good money for what is supposed to be
"original", then it should be as such! To this end, a lot of time and energy can be saved by all !!
|
| My grading
assessment is, in my opinion, to be very favourable,
and has proven to be such during the past 20 years of being in the
trade. If there happened to be a problem with
something that the buyer had purchased from myself, as long a I am notified on receipt of said item immediately
via email or telephone,
then I will endeavour to rectify the situation. If this
involves a refund due to an error on my side, then on receipt of
return-of-goods as per my instructions, a full refund will be given. |
| M .... MINT = as New (ex-shop
stock) |
| M-....
MINT MINUS as above |
| NM...
NEAR MINT = virtually as New |
| EX ...EXCELLENT
= hardly any defects whatsoever |
| VG+..VERY
GOOD PLUS...not quite EX, but better than "VG" |
| VG... VERY GOOD..clean, presentable, no major defects |
RECORDS
It
is not possible to state that all records are "EX to Mint",
because, unless of unplayed stock, this is never the case. Please do
not compare my grading assessment like-for-like with other sellers.
There are some reputable dealers out there, but others
that I assume employ "Tommy" (WHO?) appraise their
own stock. If you are not confident to purchase quantity, then
order just two or three records initially, and make your own judgment
from these.
I do actually play and listen to the records,
even ex-shop stock unsold/
unplayed. This is important, as I have found that around 40% of these
will have some noise on them, with around 20% having to be
disposed of in the bin! So, grades for most vinyl listed is based
on visual AND sound
quality. I do own a Record Cleaning Machine. Any single, EP, or LP
purchased that is priced £15 and up will be professionally cleaned
prior to being dispatched. Full information on this can be found on
the Record Services
~ Accessories page.
Some of the record listings do include a column stating the playback
sound quality. It should be emphasied here that this is a
'reasonable' and honest opinion based on the employment of a
comparatively good quality hi-fi (not a midi-system!). I
experimented with several record decks, etc, to achieve a sound that I
think is near to what one would agree with. As a guide:
NM = as near as perfect as one would expect from a vinyl pressing
EX = no annoying noises, etc
VG+ = possibly some intermittent light surface noise, etc,
VG = possibly has consistent surface noise, and / or some light clicks
in places, but nothing that
should be detrimental to one's ear or stylus... will not have the hop,
skip and jump syndrome !
as = as in the description, and not "as is"!
No one is perfect, yet there can be no excuse
for a record to be received in a dirty state (obviously not graded),
particularly if it was stated as being in at least Excellent condition.
By the way, there is no smoking at all in my home, and there are no
animals, therefore.. you will not receive a record with tobacco odour,
or with hairs clinging to the vinyl!
nb. There is more information on the Record
Grading
page.
p.s. Important information on "still
sealed"
albums:
It is quite unusual for UK records to be
sealed from new. If this is the case, it would have normally been done
by a record shop, and not in the factory. There is no knowing what is
inside a sealed sleeve, be it a brand new mint unplayed disc, or one
that is warped, or in fact a "used" copy. This applies to
any record from any country. Therefore, if you are purchasing an LP
from this site with this criteria, and with the intention of playing,
it is preferred that the seal is opened and the disc is inspected
prior to dispatch. This will be done on request, but only after the
record has been paid for. If then it is found the record is not
mint, the option is available to cancel the sale by the client. If this action
is not requested (possibly because it is to be remained sealed?), then there cannot be
any redress if, on receipt, the seal is opened and it is found that
the record has a "problem"
Footnote
on this: It has only occurred twice to date, but still not pleasant
when someone decides that they would like to return something simply
because they changed their mind, only to find the returned item/ s
have been downgraded. G.E. + M.C take heed |
Abbreviations
employed
g/f = gatefold sleeve.
nb. note the terminology 'foldout cover', a term commonly
employed by Europeans
does, in most cases, refer to a gatefold sleeve. This, in my opinion is
confusing, as a
'foldout' or 'fold-out' sleeve is designed so that it has more than one piece/
side/ section opening out.
nol = name on
label * nos =
name on sleeve (back) *
tol = (small) tear on label
(s) tos =
(small) tear on sleeve: on the back * (s)
woc = (small) writing on cover (name or
number)
noc = not
original centre (affixed middle has been removed) * Tri
= original affixed triangular centre
Usually pertaining to sold-off USA issue LP's: dr = drilled *
cl = clipped * cc = corner cut
Also stated
for 7" singles, where deemed of interest for completeist:
- 3 = 3 spoke
middle * - 4 = 4 spoke middle * - p = original plastic middle * -
s = solid centre
Records that were distributed to Radio Stations, DJ's,
Football Grounds, etc:
FS = "FACTORY SAMPLE" sticker /or Sample Sticker
= equivalent to a Promotional hand-out
"A"
Demo/ Promo = a large "A" on the label
* + Letter =
record company publicity letter included
Therefore, unless o/w stated, labels,
picture sleeves, album covers are not torn or defaced.
7" Singles: 95% that are priced £5 and above are in their
original appropriate record company generic
slip-sleeves. In most cases, these being in VG+ to EX+ on an EX to NM
condition record, while
expect a "VG" sleeve on a VG or VG+ disc. Where
there are 2 grades = Picture Sleeve/ Record..
..if no country code stated following label, then it is a UK issue Picture
sleeve.
Please note that no 7" repro sleeves are employed.
Adjacent to artist name = click on this to view the actual (+ true image) record for sale.
| Most
LPs have their original inner sleeves intact - and in good
order! If you require an extra new inner sleeve, this will be
provided free on request. Also, if so wished, included
will be a 800g PVC outer sleeve. The record (LP or EP)
will be removed from the jacket for safe transit. If you have any
other specific requests for dispatch, please state on ordering, so
that it can be assessed whether, due to extra weight, any extra
postage costs are involved. |
Site
contents * Site's
Index * Ordering
* or select "Back" /
similar
Back to top
BOOKS
Unless otherwise stated, there are
no obtrusive faults. Sign of ownership will be noted.
Abbreviations
price clip =
printed retail price (usually inside d/w or on fly leaf/ end paper) has been
removed.
inscr./ inscription
or name =
tidy writing on the first page * x-word = crossword
sp split = spine
damaged but complete * bump =
corner of board has small dent/ knock
indent
or imp.=
impression line on board surface.
OTHER
Magazines, Programmes, Posters are not torn or
defaced. Contents are complete.
All magazines, etc are in a protective covering. Toys and
Games are complete.
**************Back to top
*************
Useful information
for collector's of original UK Records & Memorabilia
Although not groundbreaking to most
seasoned English collectors and dealers alike,
the following details are my own observations that can assist the new collector,
and
persons not residing within the UK, to identify genuine first issues. Note that
this is
only a general guide. If unsure of item's originality, ask the seller prior to
purchase!
RECORDS
LP's
"Flap
Sleeve" or Flip-Back; where I would determine that this is
say a Decca & CBS pre 1967 sleeve printing, as opposed to a post
1966 sleeve printing "non-flap" sleeve - although
there is no exact defined date to this criteria . So, where
there is no point to state the obvious e.g. Decca 1968 non-flap sleeve
- I have not! Decca & CBS are just examples. The
same is applicable to other UK issue albums, the obvious being the EMI subsidiaries,
PARLOPHONE to
mention as one.
CBS label: pre 1967 state
33 on the label. Post 1966 state 331/3.
CBS label: dark orange, exception is blue on most Soundtrack
albums, green on budget price LP's.
COLUMBIA label: black with
"COLUMBIA"
in blue, from Spring 1963 to July'ish 1969.
Pre this date; MONO is
dark green with gold lettering, and
STEREO
having a silver label with black lettering.
Ordering from Japan? re
COLUMBIA label
DECCA label: pre late '69; "open DECCA" ~ i.e.. not
within a box.
(singles pre latter end of 1966
with this criteria).
A
further study of the 1960's DECCA LP label can be found on the Rolling
Stones LP's page.
DECCA/ DERAM label: pre mid '69; matrix number upside down*
PARLOPHONE label: as et out on the BEATLESas-a-group
selling page.
PHILIPS label: type face updated 1965. Blue label on some
of the early 60's Jazz series.
PYE label: red to blue in 1967*
RCA label: pre 1962 have "RCA"
within a large silver circle; 1962/ 63 a small silver logo*
1964 to
mid '68 have "RCA"
within a small red circle. Mid 1968 onwards is of a mid orange.
WARNER BROTHERS label: 1968 ~ early 1970 plain orange. Mid 1970
~ mid 1973 is
plain dark green, then followed by "tree" design*
*
= also applicable to singles and EP's . RCA used
the small silver
logo on their singles & EP's late 1962-1968.
Pre 1967 Stereo albums are not
so common, especially prior to 1964, as these normally carried a
heavier retail price tag. At the time, it did not make sense to pay
more when only a mono player was to hand! However, beware of
Stereo LP's that have been played with a Mono stylus. This will not be
evident until one places a good stylus on the vinyl! Post 1968
Mono pressings are getting harder to find.
"Rough Label": this
refers to the texture of the paper label - not the condition!
In particular, CBS and Polydor being a prime example, employed up to
around the end of 1967. Definitely post 1968 is a smooth label,
which is useful to determine the issue of some of the BYRDS, DYLAN and
BEE GEES records.
"Yellow Parlophone"
(refer to BEATLES
DNA)"Unboxed
Decca" ~ "Blue Columbia" ~etc: - these label
characteristics, and others, were all changed at the latter end
of 1969, which seems to be part of the "end of the
sixties" culture! The biggest loss being the demise of the
laminated, flip-back sleeve!
SINGLES+
EP's
Unlike
many European, and all? American 7", UK singles came
complete with their centers (middles): Decca, EMI and PYE
pressings all having these as part of the center moulding, with 3 or 4
spoke centers, with the "solid" design being employed by PYE
1964 on, and EMI 1967 on. Record labels Liberty, Page One,
Philips, Polydor, Track, Vertigo, and other subsidiaries, did press
singles without middles, but these did include the 3 point
(not the
"Spider" design) plastic
middle.. If an original "center" has been removed from a
moulded pressing (assume disc has then been played on a Juke Box), and
replaced with one of the said plastic middles, this will be evident by
the 3 or 4 indentations around the center hole. Beware of replaced
centers glued or soldered back into place. In nearly all cases, this
would be obvious, as one or both sides of the label design will not
line up.
In the 1950's, EMI did produce
some singles that were designed with "removable" centers,
for retailers, on special order. I have only seen these on Columbia
and HMV, although possibly there are others? The only important
significance of this characteristic pertains to ELVIS
PRESLEY:
a few issues of the singles, and the "Love Me Tender" EP (
yet to find a "Good Rockin' Tonight" example!). These still
possess the 4 spoke center, but with square ends, as opposed to
tapered, slotted into the recess. If the centers are pushed out, the
paper label is broken at these 4 points. Hence, unbroken push-outs are
scarce, and very collectable!
For a list of UK 7"
slip-sleeves available along with sample image, please refer to the Company
Sleeves page.
ALL
Publishing
dates
Records listed on this web site state the year
as published on the record label or sleeve. This may sometimes differ
from the actual release date. Example: recorded November
1961, but actually issued February 1962, will be noted as 1961. To
date (Jan 06), the only exception to this rule for LP's is the Beach
Boys 1960's UK listing, as issue date of some totally contradict the
'rule of thumb'. Anyway, this is explained in detail on the
appropriate page.
The 7" singles are titled by the song that
was issued as the "A" side. A song that is
acknowledged as the "hit" side, but was pressed as the
"B" side, is indicated (example:
FOUR PENNIES ~ TELL ME GIRL / JULIET). In particular,
78rpm records listed in price guides may differ than on this site. The
lowest of the 2 matrix numbers on a single release is deemed as the
'A' side, as this was the potential 'hit' song or tune that the record
company would have assumed
Beware of dirty tricks
* "Trimmed"
sleeves. This is when the opening edge has been cut , so as to tidy up
the overall appearance.
* Stickers conveniently placed on a label to cover up a rip,
etc.
* Likewise, an "original" shop sticker on the sleeve.
* Any
genuine sticker/ will not be glued down so tight,
that removable
is not possible without causing certain damage.
* "FACTORY SAMPLE"
stickers were ONLY
employed by
E.M.I. (tapered ends)
* "SAMPLE
RECORD" = pre 1965 Philips.
=
post mid 1969 EMI's new rectangle "FACTORY SAMPLE"
stickers being the exception! |
|
PAPER
GOODS
It is much easier to identify (most) UK origin
items as to being genuine, than products from most other countries.
Posters can sometimes be difficult. If in doubt it is wise not to pay
more than the cost of a reprint.
Handbills ~ Flyers: due to their size, can be
very economical to reproduce. Beatles are an obvious target.
Owning several original general flyers will accustom one to the paper
originally employed. I myself can identify 95% of all UK fliers ~
handbills as being genuine or not, but only if the items are in my
hands, and not by a scan or photograph. Therefore it is not possible
for me to verify one as being genuine over the internet or via email.
Note that USA issues are easier to copy, and have been done so in
abundance...now what is that quotation that involves a tool to
assist the movement of a craft on a channeled waterway?
Also in circulation, SHEET
MUSIC , that is not the genuine thing. Artists
include THE BEATLES, CLIFF, SMALL FACES, ROLLING
STONES, BUDDY HOLLY, BILLY FURY, ELVIS PRESLEY, etc.
Desirable "punk" should also be treated with caution. Like
anything else, if "demand" is there, so can there be the
"supply".
Copies can usually be identified by
observing the following:
1: Paper is of the same gauge, but is firmer,
having a stronger feel.
2: Paper is slightly, or more, whiter.
3: Ink is more darker, especially the music score within.
4: Covers that have a large colour area can have inconsistency. White
streaks within the colour may be apparent.
5: There can be "breaks" in the finer print - typically, at
the foot within the inside, where the copyright is stated.
Also can be of:
6: Dark solid print,
with "strong" white paper.
---------------------------------------
So, if unsure, ask the
vendor (not a third party!) prior to purchase. As with anything else,
a reputable, established dealer will guarantee the authenticity of
goods that they are selling.
Original sheet music and
song books for sale, other than listed on this site:
http://www.windmill-records.co.uk
(email: windmill.records@virgin.net)
no affiliation
Addition @ 16th August 2006
Offered by direct sale elsewhere on the Internet
by an established company, are some fake Beatles Handbills (Fliers).
These are reprints 'doctored' to give the appearance that they are of
original printing, priced well in excess
of £500 each. Whether due to their ignorance or otherwise, it is
hoped that this practice does not reflect
badly against the likes of myself, or fellow trader Paul Wayne.
AUTOGRAPHS
Any signatures ~
autographs purchased will include a lifetime guarantee. This offer is
set out on headed paper, to include an image of the said item. Even
though an artiste could have signed over 1.000 times, each set will be
like a fingerprint, and therefore unique.
If, at
anytime, it is stated and proven by a recognised bona-fide dealer who
is proficient in the field of autographs and / or the material that
the signatures are written on, that the item in question is not
genuine as had been stated, a full refund will be given, to include
postage costs. This will be paid when the goods have been returned by
way of instruction.
As you can read elsewhere on the web all about the rip-off merchants
and fake autographs that are being sold worldwide on a free-for-all
basis, I am not going fill up the rest of this page on this subject!
ANNUALS
There can be some confusion as
to the "Year", as many do not have a cover*
date. Annuals were printed/ issued during September ~ October, so as
to be in the shops in time for purchase as a Christmas present for a
deserving boy or girl.
For example, the first
six Doctor
Who Annuals were printed
with no cover* date
stated. Each of these are generally referred to as the year as
printed. That is, copyright print of 1965 (the first one), is termed
as the 1965 DR WHO ANNUAL.
The first Jon Pertwee (the sixth DR
WHO ANNUAL), was printed in
1970, is termed as the 1970 DR WHO ANNUAL. The second Jon Pertwee
Annual was printed in 1972 (the Daleks exterminated the publishers
at the printers in 1971!), and now with a cover date - i.e. 1973.
Therefore, it could be argued, and quite correctly so, that 1966 is
the first DR WHO ANNUAL,
and that the first Jon Pertwee is 1971.. but please do not lose any
sleep over this!
To this end, two columns have been
included within some of the listings for Annuals, so that
identification can be clearly defined.
* Cover
date = year stated on the boards and / or spine, and / or on the title
page. Annuals do not get reprinted.
DIMENSIONS
Intriguing, slovenly, or maybe
just downright ignorance? On perusing an Internet site of a prolific
manufacturer of domestic appliances, I realised that all the
dimensions stated were height times width. Call me old fashioned or
boring, but it is my belief that is entirely incorrect. Therefore,
where any measurements are given as guidance on this site, they are in
order of width times height!
As a general reminder, NEVER open any file, or click on anything that
has been sent via email, unless:
1) you are expecting something.
2) you are familiar with the sender.
3) appropriate wording is included (correct manner of communication
- virus programmes are very brief).
... there is a SPAM
page with information pertaining to this.
Although I am not a "consultant", I will endeavor to
assist if any person would like to know what criteria identifies an
item (manufactured in the UK only) to be of true origin. The only
stipulations is that if it is NOT
AN ITEM that I am personally selling, there is now a nominal charge
for valuations and advice. Monies accumulated from this professional
service will be donated to the registered charity, the DEVON AIR
AMBULANCE. Unless one is willing to pay then any questions on "valuations"
etc will now be disregarded.
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Copyright ©
1985 ~ 2006 Peter Rice Destiny One
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