ELVIS PRESLEY - HOUND DOG Rare 1956 UK Gold/Purple label 7" HMV POP 249 EX

	£		102
	$		135

ELVIS PRESLEY - HOUND DOG c/w DON'T BE CRUEL
Classis ELVIS HMV UK single on the highly sought after and ORIGINAL 1956 GOLD LETTERED on PURPLE/PLUM BACKGROUND,  HMV POP 249
Matrix numbers - Side 1 : 7XAV 1471 - 1N and stampers "RT 1" and "A",  Side 2 : 7XAV 1472 - 1N and stampers "RT 1" and "R"
The condition of the vinyl (both sides) is EXCELLENT: both sides of the vinyl have retained most of their original sheen, and really do gleam. Upon close inspection and under a bright light some surface hairlines are in evidence, but these are strictly surface only and are not even noticeable in normal daylight. There are no scuffs or other marks at all. I can't believe that there are too many copies of this particular pressing in existence today which are in better condition.        The quality of the audio is also EXCELLENT - great tone, no distortion or skips - just great, great listening. Listen carefully and you may detect a couple of sporadic semi-muted clicks on side 1 (on close inspection of the vinyl there is no obvious reason) and a little very mild, background crackle is in evidence at the start of each track and during the "run-off" phase (slightly more noticeable on side 1). All in all though, and considering that this is a 58 year old piece of vinyl...impressive, impressive, impressive!
As the photos testify, the labels are also EXCELLENT-  all print is totally clear and legible, and the original gold lettered colouring fully intact. Being really picky I might say that the side 2 label shows a littlesign of ageing towards the left but really this is of little or no consequence. I can't even detect any spindle traces adjacent to the center hole. Comes complete with the original four pronged push out center which is still completely intact.
Comes with original "HIS MASTER'S VOICE" outer sleeve which is in excellent condition - no splits or tears and fully functional, just some creasing towards the corners. 
Not perfect, but definitely a strong EXCELLENT and a great addition, in highly presentable condition, to any serious 50's rock'n roll/Elvis collection. A landmark, and increasingly sought after, copy of this highly coveted and very early purple and gold Elvis classic - you won't see too many of these in better condition!!
A bit about myself - I have been collecting vinyl for over 46 years and have amassed a huge and diverse record collection. I am now selling a number of my cherished records in order to help fund my retirement and to optimise space although, in all honesty, I view the daily sift through and playing of these timeless classics as a labour of love. Take a look at my other ebay items - many of the records that I am selling are highly sought after by serious collectors. You should also be aware of my 100% feedback status and can feel rest assured that in the unlikely event that you are unhappy with your purchase for any reason then just contact me and I will do a full refund without quibble. Enjoy your purchase - Richard

A NOTE ON POSTAGE : All records are posted in proper, secure record mailing envelopes with a cardboard stiffener on each side of the record, which itself is placed outside of the record cover in order to minimise the risk of edge damage during postage transit. As a consequence I have NEVER had a complaint from any buyer relating to record damage during postage. P&P costs are £1.50 for the UK, £2.50 for Europe, and £5.00 for the rest of the world. Note that for any item selling for more than £30 then registered, "signed for" postage is required, which will incur an extra P&P cost of between £2.00 and £5.00, dependent upon location. If in any doubt then just email me before you bid. PLEASE - DO NOT PAY BEFORE I INVOICE YOU. I do not profit from postage costs - my aim is purely to ensure that your purchase reaches it's destination in a secure, undamaged, timely and cost effective manner.

My record grading adheres to the “Record Collector” guide, which has established a set of standards for the condition of second-hand records. These indicate the amount of wear and tear the disc, sleeve, and other items (such as lyric inserts) have been subject to and the condition that they are in at present. The seven standard condition categories, and descriptions of what each one means, are listed below:

Mint

The records itself is in brand new condition with no surface marks or deterioration in sound quality. The cover and any extra items, such as the lyric sheet, booklet or poster are in perfect condition. Records advertised as Sealed or Unplayed should be Mint.

Excellent

The record shows some signs of having been played, but there is very little lessening in sound quality. The cover and packaging might have slight wear and /or creasing.

Very Good

The record has obviously been played many times, but displays no major deterioration in sound quality, despite noticeable surface marks and the occasional light scratch. Normal wear and tear on the cover or extra items, without any major defects, is acceptable.

Good

The record has been played so much that the sound quality has noticeably deteriorated, perhaps with some distortion and mild scratches. The cover and contents suffer from folding, scuffing of edges, spine splits, discolouration, etc.

Fair

The record is still just playable but has not been cared for properly and displays considerable surface noise; it may even jump. The cover and contents are torn, stained and/or defaced

Poor

The record will not play properly due to scratches, bad surface noise, etc. The cover and contents are badly damaged or partly missing.

Bad

The record is unplayable or might even be broken, and is only of use as a collection-filler