FREE, FIRE AND WATER, 1970 UK PINK ISLAND *1st PRESS*
£
31
$
41
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Description
Here for auction is an exceptional example of the iconic blues/rock album by FREE titled “FIRE AND WATER”, Catalogue Number ILPS 9120. This is an ORIGINAL 1970 * UK STEREO 1st PRESSING* on the PINK ISLAND RECORD LABEL, with a lovely 1st issue MacNeill Press Sleeve.
The un-laminated single sleeve, printed and made in the UK by MacNeill Press Ltd., is in close to EX condition (strictly graded) with only light storage wear and a few small half-moon type creases near the front opening edge. The front and back covers are unmarked with only a hint of ring-wear to the top front. There is a little rubbing to the spine text – but nothing serious. You can see from the photos that this is a very well preserved example of this notoriously fragile sleeve.
The top quality Island record retains a deep mirror-like shine and sits flat and true on the turntable. It is a nice weighty pressing with a tapered rim edge.
The full Matrix Numbers and stampers are
Side 1 - ILPS 9120 A//1 1 1 2
Side 2 - ILPS 9120 B//1 1 1 4
The record is visually in EX+ condition, with just a few very light sleeve removal type surface marks visible under bright light. These are of course purely superficial and do not cause any audio problems. The Pink Island labels are unmarked with only a few spindle traces near the centres. There is barely any wear around the spindle hole. I am confident that the record has not been played many times.
PLAYGRADE ASSESSMENT:
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). You simply will not find a significantly better playing 1st press copy of this wonderful album.
Complete with the original plain white inner sleeve which is also in EX condition.
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.
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