BLACK SABBATH 1st, V.RARE 1970 UK VERTIGO SPACESHIP

	£		25
	$		33

Here for auction is an exceptional example of the self-titled 1st album by BLACK SABBATH, Catalogue Number Vertigo VO 6. Originally released in 1970 on the Vertigo Swirl label, this particular copy is a slightly later UK pressing with Vertigo ‘Spaceship’ labels. Complete with a superb black gatefold sleeve which has lyrics printed on the cross. I have read claims that Vertigo pressed a very limited number (around 500 each) of Sabbath’s classic first four albums on the Spaceship label – I don’t believe that they are quite that scarce, but they are certainly much rarer than the commoner Swirl labelled pressings, and almost impossible to find in the truly excellent condition offered here.   

The un-laminated gatefold sleeve, with lyrics printed on the cross and Dunbar credits for “Warning”, is in EX+ condition (strictly graded) with only the lightest of wear and virtually no creasing. The front and back covers and opening gatefold spread are unmarked. The spine is square and solid with all text clearly legible. You can see from the photos that this is a beautiful sleeve which should please most collectors.

The record is solidly pressed and sits flat and true on the turntable. Both sides retain a lovely ‘just pressed’ shine.

The matrix numbers are:

Side 1 – VO 6  1Y//2

Side 2 – VO 6  2Y//2

Visually both sides are 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 whatsoever. The beautiful Vertigo Spaceship labels are unmarked and show only a couple of faint spindle traces each side. There is virtually no wear around the spindle hole. I am confident that the record has only been played a few times.

PLAYGRADE ASSESSMENT:

This is a particularly vibrant and loud-cut pressing with stunning sound quality and amazing bass. Both sides play essentially as new. All frequencies are crystal clear and there is no discernable deterioration in sound quality. There are no pops or clicks and barely any unwanted noise at all. Lead-in and linking grooves play with near silence. You simply will not find a better playing copy of this seminal album – I guarantee it!

Complete with the correct poly-lined Vertigo swirl inner sleeve which is in VG condition with some age discoloration and a small “VO 6” catalogue number written in top corner.

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 £39 value - £8.95

Europe over £39 value - £11.15

Worldwide up to £39 value - £12.45

Worldwide over £39 value - £14.65

A postage discount will be given for multiple LPs.

The UK postage cost includes insurance up to a value of £39. If the final sale price is more than this, your invoice will include a Special Delivery Next Day insurance option.