PINK FLOYD ANIMALS ULTRA RARE MINT- 1977 UK HARVEST CONTRACT 1st PRESS A-2U/B-2U

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Description

I'm an avid record collector and have been collecting classic 1960s and 70s albums for many years. During this time I have added duplicate copies of quite a few of my favourite albums to my collection. I've always sought out the very best copies available as I'm very particular about the records that I own. The time has come for me to pass on a few of these choice albums in order to free up some of the limited space available in my record cabinet.

It's my pleasure to offer for sale a very special copy of Pink Floyd's iconic tenth studio album, titled "Animals", Catalogue Number SHVL 815. It's a 1977 UK first pressing on the Harvest record label, with a first issue Garrod & Lofthouse Ltd. wide-spine gatefold sleeve. It comes complete with the correct first issue lyric inner sleeve. What makes this copy so special is that it is a contract pressing which differs from the standard EMI pressings in several ways. The record labels have 2 pronounced circular grooves with the centre portion inside the grooves being rough-textured. Additionally the run-outs do not have the usual EMI stampers at the 3 o' clock position. [The sleeve is the earliest issue with an 8mm wide spine. The stamped record matrix numbers are SHVL 815 A-2U and SHVL 815 B-2U. Sides 1 and 2 have mother stampers of 4 and 9 respectively in the 9 o' clock position and no EMI stampers at 3 o' clock. The lyric inner sleeve is made from thick card. It has rounded corners and a die-cut thumb notch at the opening].

The gatefold sleeve is in EX+ condition with only the lightest signs of wear and no creases of any significance. There are a few little marks near the top right corner of the back cover which I think may be in the original printing as the sleeve surface is not broken. The front and back covers are otherwise unmarked. The opening gatefold spread is pristine. The 8mm wide spine is square and solid with perfect text. Overall it's a beautiful example. Please study the supersize photos carefully as they form an important part of the item description.

The solidly pressed record is in MINT- condition with nothing more than a few very fine sleeve-removal type surface marks evident when angled against bright light. These do not have any effect whatsoever on the audio playback. The Harvest picture labels are like new with no obvious spindle traces and virtually no wear to the spindle hole. Audiowise both sides play MINT- throughout with no discernible deterioration in sound quality and barely any unwanted noise at all. The sound quality is particularly dynamic and vibrant with great bass. It really is a top playing copy in every respect.

The lyric inner sleeve is in unmarked EX+ condition with no splits or tears.

Overall this is a superb and ultra rare contract first pressing of one of Pink Floyd's most accomplished albums which plays perfectly.

[I've removed a paragraph which was inserted here in the original listing by mistake. I confirm that the record is visually in MINT- condition].

GRADINGS

The records that I offer for sale have been critically play-graded, at loud volume, on a Pioneer PL-L1000 tangential tracking turntable fitted with a Nagaoka MP-300 cartridge. I will only sell records that play to a high standard. My grading is 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 and virtually no discernible 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 but is still very presentable.

     All records can be expected to rotate sufficiently evenly on the turntable for there to be no effect whatsoever on the audio playback. Minor warps or dishing will not be mentioned as virtually all records display these features to some degree and no record is perfectly flat.

    Vinyl is not a perfect medium and even the finest quality pressings will play with a degree of residual surface sound, however minimal. Where, in my opinion, unwanted noise interferes with the listening enjoyment of the record, it will be mentioned in the item description. It is unrealistic to expect a 40+ year old record to play with a background of complete silence. Please bear this in mind when bidding.

PACKAGING         

LPs are packaged with care and well protected to ensure that they arrive safely in the same condition as they leave me. Records are removed from both inner and outer sleeves in order to prevent seam-splits in transit.

INTERNATIONAL POSTAGE

LPs posted outside of the UK will only be sent International Signed-For with insurance at the following cost:   

Europe - £10.50

Worldwide - £14.50