Jefferson Airplane Takes Off ORIG U.K. Orange Label RCA Victor L.P. EX/NM

	£		15
	$		20

Background Information

I am currently in the process of shifting a vast collection of stock which largely derives from a Record Shop which closed its doors in the early 1980s.  The stock spans a period from the early 1960s through to the early 80s with the bulk dating from the 1970s.  There are large quantities of Progressive Rock, R & B and Soul and Modern Classical.  Most of the items have sustained a single play (clearly standard practice to check for flaws upon receipt of new records back-in-the-day) however, some are obviously UNPLAYED.  The bulk of what I’m currently selling comes from this source and I’d guess it will be years before I exhaust it!

UNSOLD SHOP STOCK Original U.K. 1971 Orange Label RCA Victor pressing of the Jefferson Airplane’s ‘Takes Off’ L.P. (Catalogue Reference: RCA VICTOR SF 8195 (LSP 3584)).  At the very least this is an early pressing and I would think it was quite likely that this is a first pressing.  It features the typically flimsy RCA sleeve of the period which is only laminated on one side (extending around the spine).  The labels have a shiny finish to them as opposed to a matt finish (some of the later 70s RCA labels tend to be matt in appearance).  There is still a certain ‘weight’ to the pressing which is worth noting because some of the md-70s RCA pressings are notoriously thin (think Dynaflex).  In common with much of the material from this source I would think this copy might have been played once.  Under an intense light I note a tiny amount of encrusted dirt in isolated places around the edge of the playing surface however, I’ve really struggled to identify more than the odd, very, very isolated hairline mark.  I don’t believe it would be any exaggeration to grade the vinyl as being in NEAR MINT condition.  It should also be noted that the vinyl is stored in the original RCA paper inner sleeve which is reasonably crisp.  The sleeve has spent it’s entire life covered in a polythene sleeve and this means that there is a real sheen to the lamination which looks like it was applied recently and not nearly 45 years ago however, the sleeve does show it’s age a little more readily than the vinyl.  The top left-hand corner has received a reasonably substantial knock at some point in the past which has resulted in a number of creases in the laminate in this corner (the sort which trace the outline of the vinyl).  All the other corners have received light knocks or display minimal wear.  The spine displays a number of creases which are indicative of the sleeve being stored in a record rack at some point in the past minus it’s contents.  I would say that both sides of the sleeve remain white with perhaps only a very slight suggestion of yellowing.  This is quite miraculous and is again a by-product of the sleeve having been covered in polythene it’s whole life.  There is perhaps a suggestion of ring-wear on the rear but only a minimal amount of print loss.  Lastly, there are three creases in the laminate on the front near the opening edge of the sleeve which result from the sleeve being gripped between the fingertips whilst the vinyl is removed.  The sleeve is graded as being in EXCELLENT condition.  Oh and lastly the sleeve has become slightly unstuck on the rear at the top.  This isn’t the sort of thing which bothers me however, I know that some people with a lot of time on their hands get really animated about such things.

Condition

VINYL – NEAR MINT

SLEEVE – EXCELLENT

Concluding Remarks

I’ve always regarded RCA pressings as being some of the cheapest of the 1970s (a turnaround from the great 60s pressings) and therefore this is a particularly superior example.  Please check my other auctions for further 60s American & British Pop and Rock as well as a large selection of Folk, RnB and Soul collectables from the same source in similarly immaculate condition.  Save me as a favourite seller as there is plenty more where this came from!

General Conditions & Information

I have been a collector for in excess of 15 years now and regard myself as a conservative grader.  I know from experience that there is nothing worse than buying an item which is described with superlatives only for it to arrive and look like it has been scrapped along the floor (!).  As a rule I don’t submit anything to auction which I wouldn’t be happy receiving myself.  I endeavour to be accurate with my grading and all items are graded under an intense light.  Please take a look through my feedback as I’d like to think it speaks for itself. 

Returns Policy

If you are not entirely happy with your purchase then please contact me within 7 days of receipt.  The buyer is expected to meet the return postage costs.

Payment Methods

Domestic buyers can pay via Cheque, PayPal or Postal Order.  Overseas buyers are always welcome and are required to pay via PayPal.  Payment is expected within 7 days of auction end unless otherwise agreed.

Postage Costs

I have had to bring my service in-line with changes to Royal Mail Terms and Conditions effective of April 2013.  Previously items sent via standard post were automatically covered up to the value of £46.00 however, standard postage now only covers items up to the value of £20.00.  Items with an opening value >£20.00 will include domestic Signed For postage costs automatically.  Items with an opening value <=£20.00 and which complete with a value <=£20.00 will continue to be dispatched via standard post unless otherwise agreed (i.e. the buyer indicates a preference otherwise).  Items which have an opening value <=£20.00 but whose final value is >£20.00 will be subject to enhanced postage costs in order to cover the extra insurance which is required.  I hope this is as straightforward as I can make it?  Ultimately, please don’t make payment until you’ve received an invoice from me and if you aren’t happy with the invoice you receive then I’m always open to discussion.  Buyers should be aware that both Ebay and PayPal take a % of postage charges (i.e. they are higher than I’d ideally want them to be).

Multiple purchases will be subject to consolidated postage costs.  I will contact you at the end of the auction to confirm these costs.

Proof of postage is always obtained and retained.

Overseas Buyers

As noted above Overseas buyers are welcome.  If you want me to investigate potential postage costs in advance of the auction’s end then please feel free to contact me.