CREAM, DISRAELI GEARS, 1967 UK MONO REACTION 1st PRESS

	£		73
	$		96

betsy50 Store

Here for auction is a beautiful example of the second studio album by CREAM titled “DISRAELI GEARS”, Catalogue Number 593 003. This is an ORIGINAL 1967 UK MONO 1st PRESSING on the REACTION RECORD LABEL with the earliest 1st issue fully-laminated E. J. Day sleeve.

It is important to explain the differences between genuine first pressings of this album and later re-issues. The following is a list of the distinctive 1st press features:

·        The matrix numbers end in Av1/Bv1 (later pressings do not have this)

·        The record labels have the earliest credits which were almost immediately corrected [on Side 1 – “Windfall Music” corrected to “Immediate Music”, on Side 2 – “Apple Publishing” corrected to “Copyright Control”]

·        The Side 2 record label shows 1967 (on later pressings this was changed to 1966)

·        The 1st press vinyl is much heavier and usually has a thick, square-cut rim edge

·        The 1st issue sleeve is made by E. J. Day. It is laminated on both sides and has “Patent Pending” text on the back cover

·        It has the earliest possible white “reaction” logo on the bottom left of the back cover (later sleeves have this in black)

·        The Side 2 track-listing on the back cover is printed in white text

·        The text “MONO 593 003” is printed in thick black print in the top left corner of the back cover (later sleeves had a white box instead in the top right corner).

The fully-laminated single sleeve, printed and made by Ernest J. Day & Co. Ltd., London, is in EX condition (strictly graded) with only very light wear and barely any creasing. The front and back covers are unmarked and the spine is solid with perfect text. You can see from the photos that this is a beautiful example of this vivid psychedelic sleeve which should please most collectors.

The vinyl is a classic Reaction heavyweight. It is very solidly pressed and has a thick, square-cut rim edge (which is about 2mm thick). It retains a deep mirror-like shine and sits flat and true on the turntable. Both sides are visually in EX condition with beautiful clean playing surfaces. There are just a few tiny surface marks evident under bright light. These are just superficial and do not cause any significant audio problems. The vivid blue Reaction labels are unmarked apart from some spindle traces near the centres. There is barely any wear around the spindle hole.

PLAYGRADE ASSESSMENT:

This is a particularly loud-cut and vibrant mono pressing which sounds sensational played at loud volume. Both sides play to a very high standard with all frequencies crystal clear. There is no discernable deterioration in sound quality and barely any unwanted noise at all. I think that it will be very difficult to find a better-playing 1st press copy of this essential album.

The plain white inner sleeve is in VG condition. This has no splits or tears, just light creasing and some age discoloration.

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 £39 value - £8.95

Europe over £39 value - £11.15

Worldwide up to £39 value - £12.45

Worldwide over £39 value - £14.65

A postage discount will be given for multiple LPs

The UK postage cost includes insurance up to a value of £39. If the final sale price is more than this, your invoice will include a Special Delivery Next Day insurance option.