Claudio Monteverdi L'Orfeo 1974 ARCHIV Produktion 3 x LP Jurgen Jurgens SEALED

	£		20
	$		26

UNSOLD SHOP STOCK – Much of the material I’m currently selling is unsold stock from a record shop which closed down in the early 1980’s.  Most of this stock has been played once (if at all).  This statement will begin any auction where the item has been sourced from this stock.

VERY RARE SEALED 1974 Deutsche Grammophon Archiv Production STEREO 3 x LP Box Set of Claudio Monteverdi’s ‘L’Orfeo’ conducted by Jurgen Jurgens (Catalogue Reference: Archiv Production 2723 018).  I can’t tell you much more about this copy because it is sealed and I can’t gain access to it’s contents.  This is a brand new, original copy!  The box is largely still covered in cellophane and has sat in storage since the early 1980s.  The paper slipcase which covers the box indicates that it was printed in Germany however, I would assume that the vinyl pressing is British but I cannot be certain.  It seems surprising to me that they would print the paper slipcase in Germany and not produce the rest of the contents in Germany as well but I can’t say anything further with any certainty.

CONDITION: NEW/SEALED: The first thing to note is that this is flat and crisp with clearly no pressure having been exerted on the box during it’s years in storage to have caused it to collapse inwards.  The box displays limited storage wear as the fragile cellophane has long since split along the top and bottom edges of the box (please see attached images).  Please note that inspite of the these splits there is no way of gaining access to the contents.  There is evidence of rubbing to each of the corners where they have been exposed due to the splits in the cellophane.  The thin paper slipcase occupies the middle section of the box and is accordingly still protected by cellophane and therefore remains pretty crisp.  There is a tiny tear in the top edge of the slipcase above the composer’s name which has a depth of a couple of millimetres and which I have attempted to capture in the attached images.  The paper slipcase displays a slight ripple effect where the cellophane has exerted pressure on it (there is no indication the box has got damp or wet).  I would expect the contents of the box to be as immaculate as the day it was pressed as there is no indication of damage to the outer box (other than that already indicated).  A rare opportunity to purchase a new copy of a 40 year old boxset!

Specific Shipping Note: I’m happy to ship this item abroad however, pricing is based on weight and this weights upwards of 1kg.  I can obtain an accurate shipping price upon request.

GRADINGS – How I Grade

My items are visually graded under an intense light using my nearly 20 years of experience buying and playing records.  I am a record collector first and foremost.  I would say my grading is on the conservative side however, it is also realistic.  Realistic in the sense that sometimes even brand new records are not immaculate.  Some items are play-graded and where this is the case it will be noted in the Item Description.  Please note that it is my assertion that 99.9% of issues which might be experienced upon playback of a record can be identified through visual grading.  I’m a longstanding Ebayer so please feel free to check my feedback if you have any concerns about the quality of the items I list.  As always please review my images if you have any concern about the condition of a sleeve!  A picture speaks a thousand words!  

GRADINGS - Description

MINT – If used to describe the condition of a record the item will be sealed.  Mint will rarely be used to describe the condition of a sleeve however, it will mean the item is sealed and no storage damage is evident.

NEAR MINT – When used to describe a record it will mean that it is hard to discern that the disc has been played.  When viewed under an intenselight there might be the odd hairline mark however, you would really have to look hard for it.  Ultimately, the vinyl will look like it has just been made.  When used to describe a sleeve it will mean that the sleeve has no shelf-wear or storage damage.  The sleeve will look like new.

EXCELLENT+ - There will be an indication that the record has seen some play but not heavy play.  When viewed under an intense light only the tiniest, wispiest hairline markings will be present and not excessively so.  The vinyl will retain a great sheen.  A sleeve described as EX+ will display minimal shelf or storage wear including an odd crease or the stubbing of corners, slight fraying to the opening edge.  Ultimately, the sleeve will still be a superior example.

EXCELLENT – There might be an indication that the record has seen a reasonable amount of play and handling however, it has been well looked after.  Superficial surfaces scuffs may be present but no marks of real substance (i.e. which will affect playback).  Under an intense light it is likely that a relative volume of hairline marks are present.  A sleeve described as EX will display shelf or storage wear including creasing, loss of print (due to rubbing), possible stubbing of corners etc.  The sleeve will not display any substantial flaws.  Ultimately, it will be a solid copy.

VERY GOOD+ - I will rarely list vinyl for sale described as VG+.  Any vinyl listed as VG+ will have a detailed condition description included in the listing.  The description VG+ is more often used to describe sleeves.  Often VG+ describes the condition of a sleeve which was of very cheap manufacture (think 1970s EMI sleeves or Polydor late 60s/early 70s) and therefore more prone to display the vagaries of time.  A sleeve described as VG+ will not be a basket case.  It will likely display a reasonable volume of creasing, a reasonable amount of rubbing/stubbing and possible the odd substantial flaw.

Payment is expected within 3 days of auction end.  I am relatively relaxed but if it is expected to take longer to make payment I expect the buyer to be proactive about maintaining a dialogue with me.  Payment is possible via PayPal and Personal Cheque.  Other forms of payment will be considered.

I have had to bring my postage charges in line with Royal Mail Terms & Conditions effective April 2013.  This means items with a start price <=£20.00 and which complete with a price< =£20.00 will be sent via standard post.  Items with a start price >£20.00 will be advertised with insured& tracked postage.  Items which have a start price <=£20.00 but whose final price is >£20.00 will be subject to extra insured postage costs.  Multiple purchases  will be consolidated usually at a reduced price to the buyer.  Please don’t make payment until you receive an invoice from me.  If you have special shipping requirements please don’t contact me after you’ve made payment with an extensive (expensive) list.  I would expect such requests to be made prior to payment.  Overseas buyers welcome!  If either domestic or overseas buyers want me to confirm postage charges then please contact me before the auction’s end.  Proof of Postage is always obtained and retained.