Peter Bellamy Oak,Ash & Thorn ORIG UK Argo LP Young Tradition Dransfields EX/EX+

	£		22
	$		29

Background Information

I am currently in the process of shifting a vast collection of stock which largely derives from a Record Shop which closed its doors in the early 1980s.  The stock spans a period from the early 1960s through to the early 80s with the bulk dating from the 1970s.  There are large quantities of Progressive Rock, R & B and Soul and Modern Classical.  Most of the items have sustained a single play (clearly standard practice to check for flaws upon receipt of new records back-in-the-day) however, some are obviously UNPLAYED.  The bulk of what I’m currently selling comes from this source and I’d guess it will be years before I exhaust it!

UNSOLD SHOP STOCK Original U.K. 1970 Silver & Yellow label Argo STEREO pressing of Peter Bellamy’s covers of Rudyard Kipling’s songs from the ‘Puck’ stories under the title ‘Oak, Ash & Thorn’ (Catalogue Reference: Argo Records ZFB 11).  Here Peter Bellamy is accompanied by both Dransfields (Barry & Robin) as well as Heather & Royston Wood.  This consists of a decent quality Argo/DECCA pressing inside a typically flimsy DECCA sleeve which is only laminated on the front of the sleeve.  The original poly-lined inner is present and is dated 6-70 (June 1970).  Like most of the material from this source I’d guess this might have been played once.  There is a ‘suggestion’ of plastic ‘sweat’ or ‘rash’ from the poly-lined inner but nothing to worry about.  Under an intense light limited ‘wispy’ hairline marks are present which are typical of DECCA pressings (I’ve never quite come to the conclusion whether these are a by-product of the type of poly-lined label bag they used or whether they result from a final wipe of the vinyl surface after production to remove debris).  I note a tiny ‘nodule’ on the playing surface on Side Two on the track ‘The Brookland Road’ which can be heard for 1-2 rotations (it is tiny and ultimately barely visible).  The vinyl is graded as being in EXCELLENT condition.  The sleeve has been stored inside a polythene cover it’s whole life and accordingly, the laminate looks like it was applied yesterday.  All the corners still appear pretty sharp (with the bottom right-hand corner perhaps having sustained a light knock).  There is perhaps a suggestion of yellowing along the opening edge of the sleeve on the rear but otherwise it is as white as the day it was pressed.  Two bubbles in the laminate have developed along the spine and these are perhaps a result of the sleeve having been stored in a rack at some time without the record present (resulting in creases along the spine).  Under an intense light I note a crease in the cardboard in the bottom left-hand corner on the rear but this is insubstantial enough to have note resulted in a crease in the corresponding position on the front of the cover.  The only other flaw I note is a couple of creases in the laminate on the front of the cover near the opening edge which result from the sleeve being gripped between the fingertips whilst the vinyl is removed.  These aforementioned creases are also pretty insubstantial and not replicated in the corresponding position on the rear of the sleeve.  To be honest the cover could be new and not 45 years old and is conservatively graded as being in EXCELLENT+ condition.

Condition

VINYL – EXCELLENT

SLEEVE – EXCELLENT+

Final Remarks

Simply a stunning overall copy of this.  Please check my other auctions for a large run of Folk, Pop, R&B, Rock and Soul collectables from the same source in similarly immaculate condition.  Save me as a favourite seller as there is plenty more where this came from!

General Conditions & Information

I have been a collector for in excess of 15 years now and regard myself as a conservative grader.  I know from experience that there is nothing worse than buying an item which is described with superlatives only for it to arrive and look like it has been scrapped along the floor (!).  As a rule I don’t submit anything to auction which I wouldn’t be happy receiving myself.  I endeavour to be accurate with my grading and all items are graded under an intense light.  Please take a look through my feedback as I’d like to think it speaks for itself. 

Returns Policy

If you are not entirely happy with your purchase then please contact me within 7 days of receipt.  The buyer is expected to meet the return postage costs.

Payment Methods

Domestic buyers can pay via Cheque, PayPal or Postal Order.  Overseas buyers are always welcome and are required to pay via PayPal.  Payment is expected within 7 days of auction end unless otherwise agreed.

Postage Costs

I have had to bring my service in-line with changes to Royal Mail Terms and Conditions effective of April 2013.  Previously items sent via standard post were automatically covered up to the value of £46.00 however, standard postage now only covers items up to the value of £20.00.  Items with an opening value >£20.00 will include domestic Signed For postage costs automatically.  Items with an opening value <=£20.00 and which complete with a value <=£20.00 will continue to be dispatched via standard post unless otherwise agreed (i.e. the buyer indicates a preference otherwise).  Items which have an opening value <=£20.00 but whose final value is >£20.00 will be subject to enhanced postage costs in order to cover the extra insurance which is required.  I hope this is as straightforward as I can make it?  Ultimately, please don’t make payment until you’ve received an invoice from me and if you aren’t happy with the invoice you receive then I’m always open to discussion.  Buyers should be aware that both Ebay and PayPal take a % of postage charges (i.e. they are higher than I’d ideally want them to be).

Multiple purchases will be subject to consolidated postage costs.  I will contact you at the end of the auction to confirm these costs.

Proof of postage is always obtained and retained.

Overseas Buyers

As noted above Overseas buyers are welcome.  If you want me to investigate potential postage costs in advance of the auction’s end then please feel free to contact me.