QUEEN II - TRUE 1st UK PRESS - DIFFERENT LABEL LAYOUT - 1st MOTHER & STAMPER 1G

	£		99
	$		131

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Having 4U/4U matrixes for Queen II does not automatically mean it's a first pressing and it is sad to see the number of 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th .... etc pressings of Queen II being sold as 'first pressings' and the high prices that some people are paying for them.

This is a TRUE 1st UK pressing.

Only the first pressing of Queen II has the publishing year and Trident publishing credit as text at the very top of the label. All subsequent pressings position the publishing year near the bottom of the label, below the Trident logo. Have a look at the other copies on ebay and you will see that this original label design is incredibly rare. Queen weren't a big name yet and so the first pressing run of Queen II was relatively small. The cover and inner are also the original, very early examples with no copyright line under the Queen crest logos.

A hard-to-find true first press, this has the first matrix numbers (and first mother and stamper on side one) as follows:

Side one: YAX 4735 - 4U                      1                         G

Side two: YAX 4736 - 4U                      3                        RA

Condition

The playing surfaces look superb with very little to be seen - just a few wispy hairlines and sleeve-removal marks under bright, direct light, but there is nothing significant anywhere. Judging by the spindle holes I would say that this record wasn't played too much either. I would visually-grade the vinyl as Excellent.

The cover is generally very nice with no significant issues, just some age-related discolouration to the white inside section.

The inner sleeve has one 10cm split to the bottom seam and some minor creases, feint marks and signs of use at the opening, but is much better than most I've seen. These original inner sleeves are hard to find as good as this.

All photographs are of the actual item for sale. Please ask any questions before you bid or buy.

Where gradings are given these are based on the UK Record Collector grading system (see below) and are visual gradings only, unless the listing specifically states that it is a play-grading.

I use the UK RECORD COLLECTOR GRADING SYSTEM. This grading system differs from some other grading systems, in particular the Goldmine grading system. Please make sure that you are familiar with the UK record collector grading system before you bid.

Mint: The record itself is in brand new condition with no surface marks or deterioration in sound quality. The cover and any extra items such as the lyric sheet, booklet or poster are in perfect condition. Records advertised as Sealed or Unplayed should be Mint.

Excellent: The record shows some signs of having been played, but there is very little lessening in sound quality. The cover and packag­ing might have slight wear and/or creasing.

Very Good: The record has obviously been played many times, but displays no major deterioration in sound quality, despite noticeable sur­face marks and the occasional light scratch. Normal wear and tear on the cover or extra items, without any major defects, is acceptable.

Good: The record has been played so much that the sound quality has noticeably deteriorated, perhaps with some distortion and mild scratches. The cover and contents suffer from folding, scuffing of edges, spine splits, discoloration, etc.

Fair: The record is still just playable but has not been cared for prop­erly and displays considerable surface noise; it may even jump. The cover and contents will be torn, stained and/or defaced.

Poor: The record will not play properly due to scratches, bad surface noise, etc. The cover and contents will be badly damaged or partly missing.

Bad: The record is unplayable or might even be broken, and is only of use as a collection-filler.

Plus (+) or Minus (-) are added where items fall between gradings. I only ever use one plus or minus.

P&P costs as follows:

UK:

First LP or 12" record = £4.95, each additional item no extra P&P charge.

First 7" record = £3.95, each additional item no extra P&P charge.

Europe:

First LP or 12" record = £14.95, each additional item = an extra £2.20 P&P charge.

First 7" record = £11.95, each additional item = an extra £1.00 P&P charge.

Rest of the world:

First LP or 12" record = £24.95, each additional item = an extra £2.20 P&P charge.

First 7" record = £14.95, each additional item = an extra £1.00 P&P charge.