CREAM, WHEELS OF FIRE, SUPERB 1968 UK POLYDOR DOUBLE

	£		80
	$		106

Here for auction is an exceptional example of the iconic double album by CREAM titled “WHEELS OF FIRE”, Catalogue Number 582031/2. This is an ORIGINAL 1968 UK MONO 1st PRESSING on the POLYDOR RECORD LABEL with the earliest Av1, Bv1, Av1, Bv1 matrix numbers. Complete with the 1st issue silver-foil covered E. J. Day gatefold sleeve.

The silver foil covered gatefold sleeve, printed by Ernest J. Day & Co. Ltd., is in EX condition with just light storage wear and only very minor 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 lovely example of this notoriously fragile sleeve which should please most collectors.

The top quality Polydor records are very solidly pressed and sit flat and true on the turntable. Visually both records are in a strong EX condition with the exception of a small 5mm white surface mark on Track 1 of the studio album (see below). The beautiful tangerine Polydor labels are unmarked with only a few short spindle traces near the centres. There is virtually no wear around either spindle hole.

PLAYGRADE ASSESSMENT:

The mono mix is very different to the stereo one – the records are cut much louder and playback is particularly raw and vibrant. Both of these impressive records play to a very high standard with all frequencies crystal clear and no discernable deterioration in the sound quality. There is barely any unwanted surface sound at all. The surface mark mentioned above causes 4 or 5 soft ticks about 1 minute into ‘White Room’ but apart from this playback is close to perfect. I think it will be very difficult to find a mono copy to match this one.

Complete with the correct white poly-lined inner sleeves which are in VG condition with no splits or tears. One has the album title and catalogue number written in one 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 - £9.95

Europe over £39 value - £12.15

Worldwide up to £39 value - £13.45

Worldwide over £39 value - £15.65

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.