CREAM / WHEELS OF FIRE, SCARCE 1968 UK MONO *1st PRESS*

	£		66
	$		87

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 cartridge. I will only sell records that play to a high standard. Any significant playing defects will be detailed in the description below. I know how disappointing it is to receive a record graded as excellent, only to find that listening pleasure is spoiled by endless pops, loud clicks and intrusive background crackle. I guarantee that you will not buy such a record from me!!

The winning bidder can expect to receive a clean record, carefully packaged, with the vinyl removed from the inner and outer sleeves to prevent splits in transit.

Here for auction is a lovely example of the double album by CREAM titled “WHEELS OF FIRE”, Catalogue Number 582 031/2. This is an ORIGINAL 1968 UK MONO *1st PRESSING* with the earliest design “textured” POLYDOR LABELS (later pressings had smooth labels), and the earliest possible Matrix Numbers and stampers. There is no Set Number printed on the labels (as on later pressings), and the inner sleeves are of the earliest type, with blue “U.K. Patent No…” text in the bottom right corner. Very difficult to find in the superb condition offered here!!

The Matrix Numbers and stampers are:

Side A:  582 031  A ▼ 1  420    1

Side B:  582 031  B ▼ 1  420    1   1

Side C:  582 032  A ▼ 1  420   1

Side D:  582 032  B ▼ 1  420   1   1

The notoriously fragile *1st Press* silver foil finish gatefold sleeve, printed by Ernest J. Day & Co., London, is in NEAR EXCELLENT CONDITION. The front and rear covers are unmarked with just a few light creases and a touch of ringwear. The opening gatefold spread is in excellent shape. The bottom and opening edges show very little wear. The top edges have some rubbing in places. The corners are nice and square with just light rubbing. The spine is square and solid with all text clearly legible, and barely any loss of foil. There are no rips, stickers or writing!

Overall, an exceptional example of this fragile *1st Press* sleeve.

These classic Polydor *1st Press* heavyweights are very solidly pressed. Both records retain their original lustre and sit flat and true on the turntable. The Studio disc has just light surface marks (sleeve removal type scuffs and hairlines), which are of no audio significance. The Fillmore disc also has superficial surface marks typically from sleeve removal (some quite noticeable), in addition to 2 short stylus or nail marks (5mm and 3mm long) which run parallel to the grooves during “Toad”. These cause 2 or 3 clicks each. Both records have the earliest design “rough textured” TANGERINE COLOURED POLYDOR LABELS, which show a few spindle marks, but are otherwise undamaged, apart from a small scuff at the top of the Side B label.

PLAYGRADE ASSESSMENT:

These mono *1st Pressings* are very special. They are like a big brother to their stereo counterparts. They are particularly loud, raw and vibrant - the stereo pressings sound feeble and muted by comparison. The first press mono mix is very different to all later pressings, and sounds sensational played at loud volume!! All 4 sides play SUPERBLY with ALL FREQUENCIES CRYSTAL CLEAR. Several of the tracks have quiet introductions and passages which are easily spoiled by excessive pops and surface sound. Not on this example! All sides play with barely any surface sound, and are free from pops and clicks (with the exception of the clicks mentioned above). A better playing copy may prove very difficult to find!!

Complete with 2 matching original white poly-lined inner sleeves, which have the earliest “U.K. Patent No.” text on the bottom right corners. These are in very good condition, with no splits or tears, just light age discoloration and creasing.

OVERALL A SUPERB EXAMPLE OF THE EARLIEST MONO FIRST PRESSING WITH ALL THE RIGHT CREDENTIALS - DON’T MISS THIS ONE!!!

International postage costs: Europe £6.50, Worldwide £10.50

International buyers: payment by PayPal only   

A note about insurance:

The international postage costs listed above do not include insurance. Your invoice will include an insured option. I strongly recommend that you take up this option, but it is entirely up to you. I will not hassle you about it. You either add the required insurance or you don’t. If you do add the required insurance and your record is lost or damaged, you will get a refund. If you don't add the required insurance and your record is lost or damaged, you will not get a refund. I can’t make it any clearer than that!

The UK postage cost includes insurance up to a value of £32. If the final sale price is more than this, your invoice will include an insurance option. The same applies as specified in the above paragraph.