David Bowie UK Philips A-Label DEMO 45 w/2 inserts

$

1,381

This may possibly be one of the RAREST records we've EVER listed on eBay, and it may be, as a package, a one-of-a-kind treasure! Here we offer a stunning, shiny seldom-played original EX+ to near EX++ UK Philips White Label A-Label DEMO BF 1801 (STEREO VERSION) 45 RPM 7" of the historic "Space Oddity" b/w "Wild Eyed Boy From Freecloud", by David Bowie. Housed in its original UK Philips' bag, to find this A-Label DEMO 45 in such clean, glossy pristine condition is unusual unto itself. The evidence suggests that this was seldom played, and there really isn't a visible mark or rub to comment on....truly a beautiful original 45...any signs of use/wear EXTREMELY SLIGHT! In brightest sunlight, we'd say there are a few EXTREMELY FINE, SLIGHT hairlines under closest inspection! But there's more...neatly tucked into the sleeve are 2 ORIGINAL PR-MOTIONAL INSERTS...read carefully, and refer to the photos below! 1. Insert #1 is an ORIGINAL UK Mercury "Hype" letter insert on Mercury UK letterhead paper (as issued)...the letter heading states: "David Bowie is Alive and Well and Living in Beckenham!!", and it is written by a UK Mercury executive Calvin Mark Lee, Ph.D. From the wording of the letter, it is apparent that this insert must have been included in the very first DEMO copies of the single, thus making this an ORIGINAL INSERT...seriously, how many of these exist? However...there's more! On this insert is a handwritten note in black fountain pen, & a bit difficult to decipher.  It reads: "Gus-I am getting some copies for David (we believe this refers to David Bowie) (and either)...this play(?) pluggs(?) (or) + his play pluggs(?)-I am very short so play this to P...(?)- (illegible signature...but likely Calvin Mark Lee?). Words in parentheses are ours! The note seems to make it clear that these DEMOS were in short supply originally, so this 45 is most likely a very first pressing of it!  The insert is in clean, crisp EX++ to near mint folded condition, with very slight darkening to edges. 2. Insert #2 is a VERY COOL pr-mo David Bowie biography one-sheet, with info on the single's release and credits, and a neat 60s-style "hip" biographical "timeline" of Bowie's life to 1969! EX++ bright, clean condition, with small bent upper corner, and subsequent creasing (see photo), and paper is bright, with a touch of darkening at creased corner! This comes in its original UK Philips bag, which does show some storage wear, and a small closed tear at center hole as seen in the photo. We have only shown to this to ONE major collector of UK 60s singles (back in December), and he offered a substantial amount on the spot! So considering that, and the fact that this quite possibly is a unique, one of a kind original package, we have placed a fairly serious RESERVE on the price! This is certainly a MAJOR, SIGNIFICANT, WORLD-CLASS UK 1960s & early David Bowie collectable, and it is HIGHLY unlikely that another will surface in the near or distant future! If you have any questions, please email and we'll be happy to answer!

 We've sold & shipped many items to the UK and Europe, English & Euro collectors, and what great value for you with the exchange rate! Please check our feedback over the last few months, and you'll see more of the items we've sold from this wonderful collection, mostly EX to near MINT, seldom played original UK 60s beat, mod, freakbeat, rock, pop & northern soul 45s we purchased in a major UK 45 60s collection...many A-Label demos, and even some metal acetates of unreleased material! This Bowie 45 is one of the "jewels in the crown" of this amazing collection, most of which has already sold! Many sellers hype lesser grade 60s material as near mint...we won't go over the top with the hard sell, but you will be pleased with our honest, conservative grading on these lovely singles! Nearly impossible to find in the U.S.A., but also quite scarce in the UK in such fine condition! We are strict visual graders, and we use 2.5 reading glasses to inspect...to us NOTHING is truly mint! 

The Record Exchange is now gearing up for more regular eBay listings beginning Summer 2007, so be sure to check in to see our offerings! Our aim is to provide our customers, both on eBay and in our shop in Salem, Massachusetts, with an ever-changing variety of unusual and eclectic reasonably-priced LPs, 45s, CDs and DVDs, through a friendly and professional service! We will endeavor to keep our opening bids reasonable, with NO RESERVE unless it is a truly rare item. Please check our OVER 2900 TOTAL POSITIVE feedbacks and bid in confidence! Thanks for looking!

Shipping/Handling: All domestic parcels are insured, and  ALL 45s  ship FIRST CLASS in the U.S.: $10.50 PRIORITY INSURED FOR FULL AMOUNT w/delivery confirmation in USA. European & Japanese collectors...we will ONLY ship this INSURED PRIORITY or EXPRESS MAIL (estimated $20.00 to $25.00) to Europe and Japan, and we may consider REGISTERED AIR MAIL (estimated $20.00)! Please NOTE these are ONLY ESTIMATES! Other countries, please email!  All uninsured and unregistered international parcels are at BUYER’S RISK for loss, damage, and theft.  Personal checks (U.S. orders only) may be held 7 to 10 days to clear before item is shipped. We pledge to ship all items within 5-7 business days of receipt of payment, but most of the time items are shipped within a day or two! 45s shipped between specially cut cardboard squares, or in 45 mailers for more expensive singles & combined purchases from 2 to 5 singles!

Hello everybody...and just to clarify...the 1st insert is THE ORIGINAL PHOTOCOPY INSERT of the letter (AS ISSUED) on Mercury letterhead from Calvin Mark Lee. The letter was, just like press material today, duplicated in some small quantity for the initial DEMO copies of this 45. It is ORIGINAL for what it is, & ORIGINAL to this particular Bowie UK DEMO 45! Thanks, and happy bidding!