PINK FLOYD ** DARK SIDE OF THE MOON** BLUE PRISM**FIRST PRESS

	£		390
	$		517

 UNIQUE MOTHER STAMPER NEVER HEARD OF BEFORE!

PINK FLOYD
DARK SIDE OF THE MOON


Recorded at Abbey Road Studios, London between June 1972 and January 1973.
This is the original form of the release, it has solid blue prism LP picture labels, later forms have an empty prism. 
Originally came with 2 posters and 2 stickers.


The following is a guide to identifying all the elements that make up the rare and much sought after first pressing:

1. Both Labels have a solid blue prism. .
2. 'The Gramophone Co.' text is centred on label above prism.
3. A2/B2 matrix in deadwax of run out groove.
4. Thick heavyweight vinyl believed by some to be the 'finest' and most true encapsulation of this historical recording as the first pressing was pressed direct from the original masterplate. "These 1st pressings were straight from the masters and nothing even gets close to them today. They play with a deep clear warm clarity and have to be heard to be believed!".
5. There is a distinct bluish tint/tinge in the black ink of the cover.
6. Inner sleeve is a distinctive polythene lined die cut black semi matt paper with white printed text stating 2 patent numbers bottom left [112555/1072844] and 'MADE IN GREAT BRITAIN' bottom right.
7. Posters and stickers were printed on paper stock that has a rough texture (later pressings used paper that was gloss laminated).
8. Stickers have printed backs with diagonal lines across them.
Barcode and Other Identifiers?

    Matrix / Runout: SHVL 804 A-2 GII
    Matrix / Runout: SHVL 804 B-2  VO

Artist:  Pink Floyd Title:  The Dark Side Of The Moon Format:  12" Vinyl LP (Album)

Label:  Harvest Label variant:  Solid Blue Triangle

Catalogue number:  SHVL 804 Stereo

Country:  UK First issued:  1973

Matrix Side 1:  SHVL 804 A-2 (GII)

Matrix Side 2:  SHVL 804 B-2 (VO)

Outer sleeve:  Garrod & Lofthouse 'Dark Blue' unlaminated non-flipback gatefold with unsealed edges.

Inner sleeve:  Black paper poly-lined die-cut. Silver print Patent Nos 1125555 & 1072844. Made in Great Britain Inserts:  

2 x Posters on semi-gloss paper.


General:  Originally issued on March 24 1973, here we have the record that has become the icon of the seventies. This is a superb copy of the first issue 'solid blue triangle' label of Pink Floyd's masterwork complete with all its original inserts.

The first pressings were NOT only issued in the famous 'Dark Blue' sleeve with the left hand edge sealed with an internal fold-over.
This Is an original issue dark blue sleeve which has no fold-over and has never been sealed.

This copy again is a 100% genuine original and is complete with the original posters printed on semi-gloss paper and the original Fasprint Crackback stickers.
The glue used on the  stickers have removeable  clearly printed on the back of each sticker.

The labels have the 'Gramophone Co' rim text, 'World Copyrights' text, and 'Made in Gt Britain' text round the bottom edge.

A very rare copy Especially with this mother stamper unheard of!!  

(Audio) Mint-   (two minor marks)
(labels):  Excellent   (one or two very light spindle marks)
(Blue outer sleeve):  Ex-  (has several storage marks on outer and spine tiny tear on front/ inner is mint-)
(Black inner sleeve):  Mint-   (light creasing)
(inserts):  Mint   (both posters and both stickers are as new)  

SHVL 804 PLAYBACK

Side one plays with no scratches clicks or distortion, a very very few tiny static pips here and there

1. 'Speak to Me' minor 'crackle' on opening talk sequence music part spotless
2. 'Breathe' clear music with very faint background crackle for a few seconds
3. 'On the run' one or two very minor static clicks
4. 'Time' Plays perfectly
5 'TGGITS'.  Plays Perfectly

Side Two plays as side one

1. 'Money'  2 static clicks at end most likely removed with a pro clean
2. 'Us and Them' Plays Perfectly
3. 'Any colour you like' Plays Perfectly
4. 'Brain Damage' Plays Perfectly
5. 'Eclipse' Plays Perfectly

In conclusion plays as you might expect, Playback is very clear and without interference And loss of Quality

My only bugbear would be that it would indeed, clearly benefit further, from a professional clean!!