GEORGE FORMBY When I'm Cleaning Windows / Keep Your Seats Regal Zonophone MR2199

	£		15
	$		20

​ORIGINAL 1936 BRITISH CINEMA & MUSIC HALL LANDMARK (1936)
George Formby — Comedian with His Ukulele and Orchestra
An Exceptional Regal Zonophone First Pressing Introducing Formby's Absolute Signature Masterpiece to the World.
​OVERVIEW:
An elite-tier historical artifact for collectors of traditional British variety stage, cinema, and comedy history. This iconic 1936 Regal Zonophone release represents the absolute zenith of George Formby's career, coupling two foundational tracks recorded for his celebrated musical comedy film Keep Your Seats Please. Featuring his premier signature tune—which went on to sell over 100,000 copies in sheet music alone—this pristine pre-war pressing is a must-have cornerstone for any serious shellac archive.
​THE SIDES & PERFORMANCE CREDITS:
​Side A: "WHEN I'M CLEANING WINDOWS"
​Context & Composition: The legendary comedy standard composed by George Formby, Harry Gifford, and Fred Cliffe for the Associated Talking Pictures release Keep Your Seats Please. The label carries catalog number MR 2199, face control CAR.4186, and the earliest first-take master matrix code © CAR4186-1 beautifully stamped into the lower runout area.
​The Performance: A flawless, historically legendary performance. Formby’s bright, cheerful Lancastrian delivery is paired perfectly with his rapid-fire, syncopated banjolele triple-strumming style and a lively studio orchestra. Features the crisp Lawrence Wright publisher stamp at the base
​Side B: "KEEP YOUR SEATS PLEASE"
​Context & Composition: The high-energy title song from the 1936 cinematic soundtrack, written by the same legendary Formby, Gifford, and Cliffe songwriting triumvirate. The label shows face control CAR.4188 and carries the corresponding first-take master matrix code © CAR4188-1 stamped in the lower deadwax .
​The Performance: A brilliant, breakneck comedy-march track packed with Formby’s infectious optimism, rhythmic vocal delivery, and masterful instrumental fills. Features the matching Lawrence Wright copyright emblem.
​AUDIO FIDELITY RECORDING ADVISORY:
Please note that this item is currently listed without video to ensure immediate market availability. A high-fidelity, 58-second direct-to-stylus digital video clip demonstrating the tracking stability, surface audio profile, and clean acoustic clarity of this specific Regal Zonophone pressing will be uploaded and attached directly to this listing shortly.
​CONDITION REPORT:
​Shellac / Grooves (Very Good+ - VG+): As documented in the full-disc photographs the premium pre-war shellac is in a beautiful state of preservation, retaining an excellent factory gloss. The playing surfaces show only light, typical signs of handling, faint paper storage wisps, and minor superficial scuffs. The grooves are deep, healthy, and structurally pristine, entirely free of feelable stylus scratches, needle digs, groove-jumping wear, or outer edge rim chips.
​Labels (Very Good - VG): The classic red and cream Regal Zonophone labels remain bright and beautifully intact. The central text, bold crimson branding, and song titles are perfectly legible. The center spindle holes show normal historic handling with some micro-flaking around the central edge, but remain firm and structurally solid, ".
​SHIPPING, PACKAGING & PROTECTION:
The disc is sandwiched between corrugated cardboard and wrapped in bubble wrap. This is then placed inside a double-skin box filled with packing void to prevent movement and provide maximum protection.
​Carefully packed and promptly dispatched.