Cream Wheels of Fire ORIG U.K. Polydor DBL L.P. CRISP UNSOLD STOCK Clapton EX/NM

	£		45
	$		60

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.

Early, Original U.K. Gatefold Sleeve Double vinyl Polydor pressing of Cream’s ‘Wheels of Fire’ L.P. (Catalogue Reference: Polydor Records 2612-001 STEREO / 583-031 / 583-032).  The matrixes read ‘583031 A//2 420’ & ‘583031 B//1 420’ (Record One) and ‘583032 A//1 420’ & ‘583032 B//2 420’ (Record Two).  The record labels are raised and have a glossy finish.  I’ve seen some pressings with a matt finish to the labels and this makes me wonder whether they were mono pressings?  The matrixes indicate that this is clearly an early pressing and I would guess you are looking at 1969/1970).  The gatefold sleeve has a foil finish on the outside and the matt psychedelic murals on the inside.  This is sourced from unsold shop stock and is a simply stunning example.  I played one section of Record One and I would hazard a guess that I was the first person to ever play any part of this set.  This has sat in storage for decades and I would very much doubt that you’d find a superior overall example.

CONDITION: EX+ (RECORD ONE) / NM (RECORD TWO) / EX (GATEFOLD SLEEVE): I grade all my items under an intense light.  This is obviously the way you are meant to grade but unfortunately, many sellers on Ebay would prefer not to think about this and instead send out stuff which looks like it has been graded in a dark room.  I note a tiny finger ‘drag’ on the second track on Side Two of Record One (‘Politician’).  I played through this section and I could hear an impact in the background for around 5-10 rotations.  Obviously, this mark has a little depth to it but the impact is very much in the background.  This is why I have graded Record One as EX+.  Otherwise it is a struggle to discern even hairline markings across both records.  There might be an odd (and I mean odd) hairline mark.  There is a little dust on the surfaces but they really shine like new and it is immediately obvious that this copy hasn’t seen play.  The sleeve displays more wear than the records however, this is hardly surprising as these foil-lined sleeves don’t survive the ravages of age very well.  The good news is that this was found in a poly sleeve which means there has only been minimal loss of the very thin foil layer.  Typically, the loss of the foil layer is a product of ring-wear and rubbing and is most prevalent on the rear of the sleeve at the top (please see attached images).  This remains one of the crispest examples I have seen of this sleeve.  Another problem with these Polydor sleeves is that they are very thin and not hard-wearing.  This example shows limited evidence of wear around the edges including each corner having sustained a knock and resultant light fraying.  There are some digs to the opening edge in the bottom right-hand corner on the front of the sleeve which again I’ve tried to capture in the attached images.  With reference to the knock the top right-hand corner has received it should be noted that it has been hit in two places in this corner which has resulted in a crease which is evident on the rear of the sleeve and inside the sleeve (in the corresponding position) but not on the front of the sleeve itself.  The sleeve feels pretty crisp and it is obvious that it has seen very little handling.  Overall, this is a stunning copy of this set and incredibly hard to find in this kind of condition.

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.

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